The occurrence, fate, toxicity, and biodegradation of phthalate esters: An overview

Abstract

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are a class of emerging xenobiotic compounds that are extensively used as plasticizers. In recent times, there has been an increasing concern over the risk of this pervasive pollution exposure causing endocrine disruption and carcinogenicity in humans and animals. The widespread use of PAEs in home and industrial applications has resulted in their discharge in aquatic bodies via leaching, volatilization, and precipitation. In this overview, the current state of PAE pollution, its potential origins, its fate, as well as its effects on the aquatic environment are discussed. A state-of-the-art review of several studies in the literature that focus on the biological degradation of PAEs is included in this study. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive view of current research on PAEs in the environment, highlighting its fate and alleviated risks on the aquatic biotas, their challenges, future prospects, and the need for good management and policies for its remediation. Practitioner Points:• Occurrence of phthalate esters was summarized in various environmental matrices along with its serious ecotoxicological implications on biota.• Wastewater is the prime source of PAEs contamination.• Lack of species-specific effects on biota due to dose, exposure route, and susceptibility.• The predominant route to mineralization in PAEs is biodegradation.• A critical analysis of worldwide PAE production and consumption identifies the necessity for global PAE production, consumption, and release policies.

Advances in understanding the reproductive toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in women

“…The biological half-life of PAEs is short (<24 h), and the rapid biotransformation of PAEs into biologically active monoesters, which exhibit greater toxicity than their parent compounds, raises concerns regarding their short-term effects and long-term implications on human health, particularly in the realm of female reproductive health. ( Zhang et al, 2021 ; Puri et al, 2023 ).…”