Characteristics and Health Risks of Phthalate Ester Contamination in Soil and Plants in Coastal Areas of South China

Abstract

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are widely used as plasticizers in industrial and commercial products, and are classified as endocrine-disrupting compounds. In this study, we investigated the contamination characteristics and health risks of PAEs in the soil–plant system in coastal areas of South China. PAEs were detected in soil and plant samples at all 37 sampling sites. The total concentration of the 15 PAEs in soil samples ranged from 0.445 to 4.437 mg/kg, and the mean concentration was 1.582 ± 0.937 mg/kg. The total concentration of the 15 PAEs in plant samples ranged from 2.176 to 30.276 mg/kg, and the mean concentration was 8.712 ± 5.840 mg/kg. Di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) were the major PAEs compounds in all samples. The selected contaminants exhibited completely different spatial distributions within the study area. Notably, higher concentrations of PAEs were found in the coastal Guangdong Province of South China. The average noncarcinogenic risks of Σ6 PAEs were at acceptable levels via dietary and nondietary routes. However, the noncarcinogenic risks posed by DEHP and DBP at some sampling sites were relatively high. Furthermore, dietary and nondietary carcinogenic risks were very low for BBP, but carcinogenic risks posed by DEHP via diet. The results suggest that PAEs in the coastal soil–plant system in South China, through human risk assessment, will induce some adverse effects on human health, especially in children. This study provides an important basis for risk management of PAEs in agriculture, and safety in coastal areas of South China.

Heavy metal accumulation and health risk assessment in S. alterniflora Loisel. and native plant Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall. in Dongtai Tiaozini wetland

“…The health risk assessment method for coastal plant products was used in this calculation. The formula is as follows (Kouali et al, 2022;Xing et al, 2022):…”

Interaction between Phthalate Ester and Rice Plants: Novel Transformation Pathways and Metabolic-Network Perturbations

“…Phthalate esters (PAEs), a class of synthetic industrial chemicals, are commonly added into polyvinyl chloride plastics, packaging materials, electronics, and insect repellent, which improve the strength and flexibility of polymers. , Since PAEs are not covalently bound to the host polymers, they can be emitted into soil and water during usage and disposal. , Recently, the excessive usage of plastic greenhouses to control weeds and conserve water results in widespread contamination of agricultural soils and vegetables by PAEs . The level of di- n -butyl phthalate (DnBP) was reported in the range of 0.04–29.4 mg/kg in soil , and 0.03–26.27 mg/kg in plants due to its strong adsorption to soil particles. , PAEs can enter humans and biota through ingestion of food, inhalation of aerosol particles, and skin contact . Exposure to PAEs and monophthalates (mPAEs) can result in a range of adverse effects on humans, including endocrine dysfunction, immune system dysfunction, and potential carcinogenicity. , Trasande et al highlighted that a higher level of phthalates might increase the risk of premature death, especially from heart disease.…”

“…3,4 Recently, the excessive usage of plastic greenhouses to control weeds and conserve water results in widespread contamination of agricultural soils and vegetables by PAEs. 5 The level of di-nbutyl phthalate (DnBP) was reported in the range of 0.04− 29.4 mg/kg in soil 6,7 and 0.03−26.27 mg/kg in plants due to its strong adsorption to soil particles. 6,8 PAEs can enter humans and biota through ingestion of food, inhalation of aerosol particles, and skin contact.…”

“…5 The level of di-nbutyl phthalate (DnBP) was reported in the range of 0.04− 29.4 mg/kg in soil 6,7 and 0.03−26.27 mg/kg in plants due to its strong adsorption to soil particles. 6,8 PAEs can enter humans and biota through ingestion of food, inhalation of aerosol particles, and skin contact. 9 Exposure to PAEs and monophthalates (mPAEs) can result in a range of adverse effects on humans, including endocrine dysfunction, immune system dysfunction, and potential carcinogenicity.…”

Phthalate ester biodegradation in agricultural soil using exogenous bacterial consortium under fertilizer addition

“…PAEs = 0.445 -4.437 mg kg -1 (average = 1.582 ± 0.937 mg kg -1 ) Predominant PAE: DBP and DEHP(Xing et al, 2022) Plant Σ15 PAEs = 2.176 -30.276 mg kg-1 …”