The influence of benzyl butyl phthalate on the growth of several phytoplankton species (Microcystis sp., Anabaena variabilis, Chlorella sp., Scenedesmus sp.) in laboratory conditions

Abstract

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are organic compounds extensively used as plasticisers. Their widespread use has resulted in their presence in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, making them a high-risk pollutant. PAEs are detrimental to human health as they disrupt the endocrine system and can potentially cause cancer. Although their impact on humans is relatively well-known, more research is necessary to comprehend their effects on phytoplankton. This work aimed to examine the influence of different concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, 250 µg/L) of benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) on the growth of several most common phytoplankton species (Microcystis sp., Anabaena variabilis, Chlorella sp., Scenedesmus sp.) in laboratory conditions. Phytoplankton growth was monitored spectrophotometrically to determine the concentration of chlorophyll a. The results showed that higher concentrations of BBP significantly inhibited the growth of A. variabilis and Microcystis sp. Green algae showed a considerably lower sensitivity, especially Chlorella sp., where significant growth inhibition was not observed. After the experiment, the detection and quantification of BBP in extract samples were performed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). BBP was detected only in the extracted sample with Scenedesmus sp., but the detected concentration was insignificant. The results indicate that all tested organisms could probably absorb and metabolize BBP, of which Scenedesmus sp. has the least ability.