Occurrence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in riverine sediments from the Pearl River Delta, China

► EDCs were studied in the surface sediments of the Pearl River system, China. ► The phenolic xenoestrogens fell in the high value scope in the world. ► Their spatial distribution was related to the wastewater discharge. ► Their spatial distribution was also related to sedimentary organic carbon. ► The investigated rivers were heavily contaminated by phenolic xenoestrogens.