after our research, we give the following recommendations.
1. lower concentrations, longer exposure, and other body processesTo truly apply these results to the real world, additional studies with larger sample sizes and potentially longer exposure periods are recommended. A longer exposure period could mimic the effects of EE2 on an organism throughout its lifespan, as opposed to just over the course of 24-28 hours. The study of other anatomical processes, such as the development of juvenile D. magna in the brood chamber, as well as varying functions of the heart could also be beneficial to analyzing the influence of EE2. Research investigating the impacts of realistic concentrations of EE2 would be incredibly significant, as this research only indicates effects in extremely exaggerated concentrations. Studies documenting concentrations of EE2 in wastewater, lakes, and streams have found concentrations of only several nanograms per liter; for instance, previous research on the Platte River in Colorado measured just over 3 ng of EE2 per liter in the water, while our research examined the effects of a concentration nearly 100,000 times that amount (Schwindt et al., 2014). Therefore, it is important to further dilute concentrations of EE2 to contemporary measurements in order to accurately assess impacts on aquatic organisms.
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2. preventative measures
After environmentally accurate impacts of EE2 are determined, the focus of research should transition to preventative measures that limit the amount of EE2 entering the environment. Recommended measures include improved filtering systems to remove EE2 from wastewater and reduced excretion of wastewater into freshwater bodies such as lakes and streams. Other possible methods to limit EE2 pollution could include further oral contraceptive innovation that could allow alternative contraceptives chemicals or substances to be used in place of EE2. For example, progestin-only pills could be more commonly used and promoted, as opposed to forms of contraceptives containing EE2. The same could be done with the usage and advertisement of non-oral forms of contraception such as intrauterine devices (IUDs).
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