Distribution of phthalic acid esters in agricultural plants and soil

Abstract

ZORNÍKOVÁ, G., JAROŠOVÁ, A., HŘIVNA, L.: Distribution of phthalic acid esters in agricultural plants and soil. Acta univ. agric. et silvic. Mendel. Brun., 2011, LIX, No. 3, pp. 233-238 The study observed the occurrence of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in the soil and agricultural crops (Triticum aestivum, Brassica napus, Zea mays) and their distribution to the individual parts. For the experiment were selected 4 locations in central Moravia. At two locations (L1, L2) winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) was grown, at the third location (L3) winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus), and at the fourth location (L4) fl int corn (Zea mays). The soil samples (n = 72) and whole plant samples (n = 78) were collected during the vegetation. The aboveground and underground parts of plants, ears, siliques and seeds were analyzed separately. The values of DBP in soil at all areas ranged from 0.28 to 1.59 mg.kg −1 of dry matter and DEHP < 0.03 to 0.73 mg.kg −1 of dry matter. The soil at the L4 site, which was the most fertilized with organic fertilizers, especially manure, was detected signifi cantly (P < 0.05) to show the highest values of both the PAEs (phthalic acid esters) observed (DBP L4 1.59 ± 0.07 mg.kg −1 of dry matter, DEHP L4 0.73 ± 0.18 mg.kg −1 of dry matter). Average concentrations measured in underground parts of monitored crops ranged from 1.68 to 14.26 mg.kg −1 of dry matter for DBP, and 0.12 to 10.34 mg.kg −1 of dry matter for DEHP. Values detected in aboveground parts were 0.03 to 8.84 mg.kg −1 of dry matter for DBP, and 0.25 to 4.59 mg.kg −1 of dry matter for DEHP. Average values of DBP in fi nal products ranged from 0.05 to 0.83 mg.kg −1 of dry matter, and < 0.06 to 0.98 mg.kg −1 of dry matter for DEHP.phthalic acid esters, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) have long been used as plasticizers of polymer materials. These materials gain fl exible features, improve adhesion and solubility. They are most o en added to paints, varnishes, adhesives, sealants, coatings, fl oor coverings, wire insulation, or dialysis equipment, and blood transfusion bags.

The influence of facility agriculture production on phthalate esters distribution in black soils of northeast China

“…As summer is the most vigorous season for plant cultivation, hence application of soil nutrients in the form of fertilizers is the mostly required activity, as compared to the spring and winter seasons. Zorníková reported that the more fertilizer usage in the soil, the more PAE accumulation in that soil (Zorníková et al, 2011). High concentrations of the Σ 15 PAEs were found at ST2, ST4, ST6, ST8 and ST9 in summer, at the levels of 2.83, 2.82, 3.46, 3.03 and 2.01 mg/kg-dw, respectively, when mulching films were not used on the soils.…”

Contamination and remediation of phthalic acid esters in agricultural soils in China: a review

“…In China, 22 widely used fertilizers were found to contain phthalic acid esters ranging from 1.2 to 2795 μg kg −1 (Mo et al 2008). The phthalic acid ester concentration in soils was found to increase with the level of fertilizer input (Zorníková et al 2011). Cai et al (2003 showed that the total phthalic acid ester concentration in Ipomoea aquatica shoots was higher when it had been grown in potted paddy soils fertilized with chemical fertilizers than when it had been grown without fertilizers.…”

Environmental contamination with phthalates and its impact on living organisms

“…Plants take up soil nutrients together with pollutants, including phthalates, through their root systems. An analysis of agricultural crops revealed the presence of phthalates in every plant organ, from the roots, through the stem, to the seeds [26].…”