Development of a method for identifying elevated vitellogenin gene expression in the Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) as an indicator of endocrine disruption on the Sunshine Coast

Environmental oestrogens are a diverse group of natural and synthetic chemicals that include some surfactants, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, cosmetics, plastisers and other chemicals found in agricultural, industrial and sewage effluent (Matozzo et al. 2008). Environmental oestrogen contamination can result in significant reproductive, developmental and other physiological problems for exposed organisms and have therefore become a global concern (Matozzo et al. 2008).