Response of River Microorganisms to Gradient Concentration of Estrogen

We conducted microcosmic experiments to investigate the response mechanisms of in-situ microbial community structure when stimulated by different concentrations of estrogens. The results showed that both time and concentration shaped the diversities of microbiota when exposed to estrogen. In addition, the microbial community structure could not be restored to the undisturbed state by estrogen, even if disturbed by a low concentration of estrogen for a short time. Our study further confirmed that endocrine disruptors,such as estrogens, could cause long-term disturbance to the river water ecosystem.