The bioaccumulation of phthalates was studied in fragments of Ulva lactuca exposed for a maximum of 31 days at different concentrations of a solution of six phthalic acid esters (PAEs). The algal matrix showed rapid uptake since the first sampling, which increased over the time of the experimental period, at the end of which seaweed’s bioaccumulation potential was also evaluated. After the uptake, the algal matrix was subjected to UV irradiation in order to verify the removal of the phthalates. PAEs with higher octanol–water partition coefficients (logKow) and molecular weights were preferentially uptaken by U. lactuca in all the exposure experiments. It was observed that both accumulation (biota-sediment accumulation factor (log10BSAF) ranging from 3.75 to 4.02) and photodegradation (higher than 70% removal for all phthalates in 8 h) are more efficient at lower concentration levels. These results suggest the potential use of the algal matrices for environmental bioremediation, in order to mitigate the impact of pollution from ubiquitous pollutants such as PAEs.

This review is a survey of recent progress in studies concerning the impact of phthalic acid esters in aquatic organisms. After introducing the classification, properties, sources, fate, and toxic effects related to phthalates, an overview of the techniques of extraction and analysis of these substances is provided. As a result, the general concepts of environmental bioindicators, biomonitoring systems, and other concepts related to phthalate contamination in the aquatic environment are presented. Recent bioaccumulation data of different phthalates are summarised in a table and organised according to the type of organism, tissue, and geographical area of sampling. Bioindicator organisms that are more representative of the different phthalates are highlighted and discussed as along with other variables that may be relevant in the assessment of the environmental pollution of these substances. The final part looks at the environmental perspectives and suggests new directions and research objectives to be achieved in the future.

Anaerobic digestion allows for the proper management of agro-waste, including manure. Currently, more than 18,000 anaerobic digestion plants are under operation in EU, 80% of which are employed in the rural context. Tariff schemes for power generation from biogas produced during anaerobic digestion of agricultural feedstocks in Germany, Italy and Austria are coming to an end and new approaches are needed to exploit the existing infrastructures. Digesters in the rural context can be implemented and modified to be transformed into sustainable multi-feedstock and multi-purpose biorefineries for the production of energy, nutrients, proteins, bio-chemicals such as carboxylic acids, polyesters and proteins. This paper describes how the transition of agricultural anaerobic digesters into multi-products biorefineries can be achieved and what are the potential benefits originating from the application of a pilot scale platform able to treat cow manure and other crop residues while producing volatile fatty acids, polyhydroxyalkanoates, microbial protein material, hydrogen, methane and a concentrated liquid stream rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.