Ecological Risk Assessment of Chemicals Migrated from a Recycled Plastic Product

Abstract

ObjectivesPotential environmental risks caused by chemicals that could be released from a recycled plastic product were assessed using a screening risk assessment procedure for chemicals in recycled products.MethodsPlastic slope protection blocks manufactured from recycled plastics were chosen as model recycled products. Ecological risks caused by four model chemicals -di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)- were assessed. Two exposure models were built for soil below the block and a hypothetic stream receiving runoff water. Based on the predicted no-effect concentrations for the selected chemicals and exposure scenarios, the allowable leaching rates from and the allowable contents in the recycled plastic blocks were also derived.ResultsEnvironmental risks posed by slope protection blocks were much higher in the soil compartment than in the hypothetic stream. The allowable concentrations in leachate were 1.0×10-4, 1.2×10-5, 9.5×10-3, and 5.3×10-3 mg/L for DEHP, DINP, Cd, and Pb, respectively. The allowable contents in the recycled products were 5.2×10-3, 6.0×10-4, 5.0×10-1, and 2.7×10-1 mg/kg for DEHP, DINP, Cd, and Pb, respectively.ConclusionsA systematic ecological risk assessment approach for slope protection blocks would be useful for regulatory decisions for setting the allowable emission rates of chemical contaminants, although the method needs refinement.

Effects of diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) on the endocannabinoid and reproductive systems of male gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) during the spawning season

“…Among the family of phthalates, Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP;CAS No. 28553-12-0 and 68515-48-0) is a high molecular weight ortophthalate and, similarly to other members of this family, may represent an environmental problem (Roh et al, 2013). DiNP degrades rapidly through abiotic and biological pathways and has a short half-life in water (Lertsirisopon et al, 2009).…”

Endocrine disruptors in the diet of male Sparus aurata: Modulation of the endocannabinoid system at the hepatic and central level by Di-isononyl phthalate and Bisphenol A

“…Among the myriad of substances used for plastic production, our emphasis will be placed on two plastic additives, the Bisphenol A (BPA) and a phthalate, the Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), because of their reported endocrine disrupting properties. Phthalates are chemical compounds primarily used for the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and characterized by their incapacity to be chemically bound to the plastic matrix (Fujii et al, 2003;Roh et al, 2013). In this regard, DiNP can be found in freshwater as well as marine water (Blair et al, 2009;Mackintosh et al, 2004Mackintosh et al, , 2006 and sediments (Oehlmann et al, 2008).…”