Research Progress on Distribution,Sources and Ecological Effects of Phthalate in Soil

Phthalate esters(PAEs)are widely used as main plasticizers in plastic products,agricultural regulators,toys,and other fields.This paper reviewed the research progress on the distribution,sources,and ecological effects of PAEs.The effects of PAEs on soil microorganisms,animals,plants and soil properties were explored in sequence,providing effective theoretical basis for future research on PAEs.

Preparation of polypyrrole/nanosilica composite for solid-phase microextraction of bisphenol and phthalates migrated from containers to eye drops and injection solutions

This paper describes the electrodeposition of polyphosphate-doped polypyrrole/nanosilica nano-composite coating on steel wire for direct solid-phase microextraction of bisphenol A and five phthalates. We optimized influencing parameters on the extraction efficiency and morphology of the nanocomposite such as deposition potential, concentration of pyrrole and polyphosphate, deposition time and the nanosilica amount. Under the optimized conditions, characterization of the nanocomposite was inves-tigated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. Also, the factors related to the solid-phase microextraction method including desorption temperature and time, extrac-tion temperature and time, ionic strength and pH were studied in detail. Subsequently, the proposed method was validated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry by thermal desorption and acceptable figures of merit were obtained. The linearity of the calibration curves was between 0.01 and 50 ng/mL with acceptable correlation coefficients (0.9956-0.9987) and limits of detection were in the range 0.002-0.01 ng/mL. Relative standard deviations in terms of intra-day and inter-day by five replicate analyses from aqueous solutions containing 0.1 ng/mL of target analytes were in the range 3.3%-5.4% and 5%-7.1%, respectively. Fiber-to-fiber reproducibilities were measured for three different fibers prepared in the same conditions and the results were between 7.3% and 9.8%. Also, extraction recoveries at two different concentrations were ≥96%. Finally, the suitability of the proposed method was demonstrated through its application to the analysis of some eye drops and injection solutions.

Detection of phthalates migration from disposable tablewares to drinking water using hexafluoroisopropanol-induced catanionic surfactant coacervate extraction

Hexafluoroisopropanol(HFIP)-induced sodium dodecyl sulfate/dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide(SDS/DTAB) catanionic surfactant coacervate extraction method coupled with high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to detect the migration of phthalates from disposable tablewares to drinking water. The concentration factors are larger than 82 and extraction recoveries over 53% for water samples spiked with 100 or 200 ng/m L phthalates. Limit of detection is in the range of 1.0–2.6 ng/m L.Good linearity with correlation coefficients larger than 0.9985 is obtained in the concentration of20–1500 or 40–3000 ng/m L. Relative recoveries are from 82.4% to 123.6% for water samples spiked with30/60, 250/500, and 1500/3000 ng/m L phthalates, respectively. Relative standard deviations(RSDs) are0.4%–7.4% for intraday precision(n = 5) and 0.6%–7.8% for interday precision(n = 3). Four of studied phthalates are found in the drinking water samples prepared from four kinds of tablewares.

Combined Effects of Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Benzo(a)Pyrene on Fertility in Male Rats

Our previous studies revealed the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and phthalic acid esters were the major organic pollutants in the Jialing River and Yangtze River in the Three Gorges area, and they might cause the toxicity in male fertility when combined. Thus we used di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and Benzo(a)pyrene (Bap) as their representatives respectively to explore their effects on the spermatogenesis in male rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and respectively exposed to corn oil, Bap (5 mg/kg/d), DBP (250 mg/kg/d), and combined doses of Bap (5 mg/kg/d) and DBP (250 mg/kg/d) for 90 days. We observed a significant increase in the stillbirth rate after Bap and combined treatments, while the mean area of seminiferous tubules was reduced after Bap, DBP and combined treatments. Bap and combined treatment had a sup- pressing effect on meiosis in germ cells, which reduced the haploid contents and the ratio between haploid and diploid but increased the tetraploid and diploid contents and the ratio between hap- loid and tetraploid. These effects were more obvious in the combined group. Furthermore, the ex- pression of a number of proteins was changed, of which was associated with the oxidative stress and cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Our results suggest that Bap has significant toxic effects on male fertility, while the combined treatment of Bap and DBP has more toxic effects.

Bis(2-butoxyethyl) Phthalate Delays Puberty Onset by Increasing Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Leydig Cells in Rats

Objective This study investigated the effects of bis(2-butoxyethyl) phthalate(BBOP) on the onset of male puberty by affecting Leydig cell development in rats.Methods Thirty 35-day-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to five groups mg/kg bw per day that were gavaged for 21 days with BBOP at 0, 10, 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg bw per day. The hormone profiles;Leydig cell morphological metrics;mRNA and protein levels;oxidative stress;and AKT,mTOR, ERK1/2, and GSK3β pathways were assessed.Results BBOP at 250 and/or 500 mg/kg bw per day decreased serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels mg/kg bw per day(P < 0.05). BBOP at 500 mg/kg bw per day decreased Leydig cell number mg/kg bw per day and downregulated Cyp11a1, Insl3, Hsd11b1,and Dhh in the testes, and Lhb and Fshb mRNAs in the pituitary gland(P < 0.05). The malondialdehyde content in the testis significantly increased, while Sod1 and Sod2 mRNAs were markedly downregulated, by BBOP treatment at 250–500 mg/kg bw per day(P < 0.05). Furthermore, BBOP at 500mg/kg bw per day decreased AKT1/AKT2, mTOR, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and GSK3β and SIRT1levels mg/kg bw per day(P < 0.05). Finally, BBOP at 100 or 500 μmol/L induced ROS and apoptosis in Leydig cells after 24 h of treatment in vitro(P < 0.05).Conclusion BBOP delays puberty onset by increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis in Leydig cells in rats.The graphical abstract is available on the website www.besjournal.com.

Aerobic biodegradation of diethyl phthalate by Acinetobacter sp. JDC-16 isolated from river sludge

A gram negative bacterium,named JDC-16,which can grow well on the substrate of phthalic acid esters(PAEs) as the sole source of carbon and energy,was isolated from river sludge.Based on the morphology,physiological and biochemical properties and analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence,it was preliminarily identified belonging to the genus Acinetobacter.The result of substrates utilization range indicates that strain JDC-16 can utilize a variety of phthalates except for diisononyl phthalate(DINP) .The degradation tests using diethyl phthalate(DEP) as the model compound show that the optimal pH and temperature for DEP degradation by Acinetobacter sp.JDC-16 is 8.0 and 35℃,respectively.Meanwhile,degradation kinetics under various initial concentrations of DEP reveals that substrate depletion curves fit well with the modified Gompertz model with high correlation coefficient(R 2 >0.99) .Furthermore,the substrate induction test indicates that DEP-induction can apparently shorten the lag phase and enhance the degradation rate.This work highlights the potential of this isolate for bioremediation of phthalates-contaminated environments.

Toxic effects of several phthalate esters on the embryos and larvae of abalone Haliotis diversicolor supertexta

As the most widely used plasticizers in the world, phthalate esters (PAEs) are potential endocrine disruption compounds (EDCs). In the present study, the toxicity of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on embryogenesis and larvae development of the marine univalve Haliotis diversicolor supertexta was examined in laboratory. The results show that the malformation of embryos appeared during the experiment, such as embryos died or lysed, small transparent flocculent rings studded on the periphery of the embryo, and the larvae could failed to hatch. In embryo toxic test, embryos incubated at the highest concentration of DMP, DEP and DBP solutions showed significantly high abnormal rate compared with the control, while DEHP solutions displayed no significant difference. In larval toxic test, in all concentrations of DMP, DEP and DBP solutions, larval settlement rates were low significantly than that of the control. Similarly, DEHP solutions show nearly no effect on the larval settlement. The order of toxicity on embryos and larvae is DBP>DEP>DMP>DEHP. Being a simple and easy stimulation to indoor spawn, sensitive to environmental factors, and short culture time, the embryos of H. diversicolor supertexta can be used to indicate toxicity of the PAEs.

E-beam radiolysis of aqueous dimethyl phthalate solution

To investigate the influence of radiolysis on kinetics and factors of dimethyl phthalate(DMP),the aqueous DMP solution is degraded by 1.8 MeV E-beam,following pseudo-first-order kinetics.The rate constant of DMP degradation decreased exponentially with increasing initial DMP concentration.The DMP is favorably degraded by radical scavengers under its low concentration and alkaline condition.At high doses,the DMP is attacked by eaq-and ·OH,producing monomethyl phthalate,phthalate acid,and a series of aliphatic carboxylic acids,which are completelymineralized into H2O and CO2.

Long-term effects of di-octyl phthalate on the expression of immune-related genes in Tegillarca granosa

Di-octyl phthalate(DOP) is widely used as a plasticizer in the plastics industry.As a result,DOP is often found in marine water ecosystems where many species are exposed to it.Our objective was to evaluate the effect of long-term(14 d) DOP exposure(2.6,7.8,or 31.2 mg/L) on the expression of immunerelated genes in Tegillarca granosa.The expression of small heat shock protein(sHSPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP) were highest in clams exposed to 31.2 mg/L DOP on days 7 and 14.The relative expression of Tg-ferritin,superoxide dismutase(SOD),and metallothionein(MT) increased initially then decreased as the concentration of DOP increased.The hemoglobin of T.granosa(Tg-Hb I) exhibited two distinct expression patterns at two time points.Our results suggest that the immune response of T.granosa against DOP pollution varies depending on the dose.Additionally,we identified some immune-related genes that are promising candidates for biomarkers of DOP.

High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Identification and Estimation of Phthalates in Sewer Waste and a Receiving River in Ibadan City, Southwestern Nigeria

Medical wastes have been implicated in river pollution in developing countries and most often people depend on water from such rivers for sources of livelihood. Phthalates (endocrine disruptors) are major components in medical wastes and are commonly found contaminants in aquatic environment. Most sewage treatment facilities handling medical waste are inefficient due to overuse and poor maintenance and discharge directly into rivers. This study aimed to investigate the identity and estimates the concentration of phthalates in supposed treated medical wastes from a hospital sewer and water from a receiving river. Samples were randomly collected before and after treatment by the sewer plants, while samples were randomly collected along the course of the river starting from point of discharge. Control samples were taken from upstream about 500 m along the river course. The samples were extracted by liquid-liquid chroma- tographic process using dichloromethane, after which they were cleaned up in a column of silica gel using hexane as the mobile solvent. The cleaned extracts were analyzed by HPLC. The concentrations (μg/L) of dimethyl-, diethyl-, diphenyl-, dibutyl- and di-(2-ethyl)hexyl phthalates ranged from 62.81 ± 18.53;4.74 ± 3.57;2.05 ± 1.80;11.40 ± 5.58 to 141.92 ± 35.8 respectively in the sewer waste. The receiving river had a concentration (μg/L) of 9.17 ± 14.02;0.18 ± 0.31;0.48 ± 0.84;2.84 ± 1.21;61.72 ± 38.35 respectively for dimethyl-, diethyl-, diphenyl-, dibutyl- and di-(2-ethyl) hexyl phthalates. These concentrations were higher than control and far exceeded the USEPA limits of 3 μg/l recom- mended for phthalates in water. Contaminants of aquatic environment by untreated wastes from hospitals has serious implications on public health and environment as human risks for phthalate esters downstream are high and this calls for urgent need to develop strategy to build incentives for compliance in treatment and discharge of wastes into river waters.

Separation of ^(152+154)Eu,^(90)Sr from radioactive waste effluent using liquid–liquid extraction by polyglycerol phthalate

A new polyglycerol phthalate extractant was prepared and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance(~1H NMR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. A preliminary study of the extraction of long-lived(^(90) Sr and ^(152+154)Eu) and short-lived(^(90) Y) radionuclides by polyglycerol phthalate was performed. The influence of different diluents, concentration of the acid, type of acid, and various interfering ions was explored. The stripping of ^(152+154)Eu radionuclide was studied by using different acid solutions, and it was found that sulfuric acid was the ideal acid for this purpose. Furthermore,^(152+154)Eu was extracted from the fission products(^(90) Sr) and the extraction% of^(90) Sr was found to improve in the presence of interfering ions.

Cell Death Effects of the Phthalate 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol on Human Linfoblast Cells

Phthalates have been used in a wide variety of consumer goods. Their versatility as plasticizers has translated into worldwide use in a vast array of consumer products. These compounds can leach into matrices, such as food and liquids that can be routed for human exposure. One of the most used phthalates is Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Diethylhexyl phthalate and its metabolite 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2-EH) have demonstrated biological effects which merit further evaluation. In this work, we expand on our previous work with DEHP and screen the 2-EH metabolite for different cell death endpoints such as growth inhibition, apoptosis, autophagy, caspase activation, DNA fragmentation, and cell cycle arrest using fluorophores and the NC3000 instrument. Significant results (p 0.05) revealed higher toxicity for the 2-EH metabolite when compared to DEHP. Also, 2-EH presented apoptosis induction with characteristic hallmarks, such as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase activation, DNA fragmentation and cell cycle arrest at the S phase. In addition, the presence of autophagosome was detected through L3CB protein staining. We conclude that 2-EH presents differences in cell death endpoints that interestingly differ from the DEHP parent compound. Further studies are needed to establish the molecular pathways responsible for the observed effects.

Validated Method for the Detection of Three Phthalates Derived from Marine Invertebrates

This study represents, detailly, the validated method for the extraction and quantification of widespread phthalic acid esters (PAEs) bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) from solitary ascidians collected from a marine environment. The extraction was based on a pressurized liquid extraction method, using n-hexane as the solvent to extract the target PAEs from dry biological tissues, and was performed in an accelerated solvent extraction instrument. The average recovery of 89.2% was obtained from samples subjected to a pressure of ~1500 psi and 120°C in two 10-min cycles. GC-MS was used for quantification, conducted in single-ion monitoring mode. Following careful and rigorous cleanup procedures to prevent cross-contamination from laboratory glassware, PAE standards showed signals with good specificity. The obtained limits of detection were 130, 122 and 89 ng/g for DEHP, DBP and DnOP, respectively. Accordingly, the calculated limits of quantification were 394, 370 and 270 ng/g for DEHP, DBP and DnOP, respectively. The obtained linearity ranged from 5.4 to 269 ng/ml (equivalent to 135 - 6725 ng/g dry weight), with R2 ≥ 0.998. Concentrations in the range of 200 to 9000 and 400 to 5000 ng/g sample dry weight, for DEHP and DBP, respectively, were obtained from the ascidians. No DnOP was detected in any of the samples. These results indicate that the method presented in this study is applicable for detection of low and trace concentrations of the target PAEs in samples collected from a marine organism, which can serve as a bioindicator of plastic contamination.

Aerobic biodegradation of di-n-butyl phthalate by Xiangjiang River sediment and microflora analysis

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP),one of phthalate acid esters (PAEs),was investigated to determine its biodegradation rate using Xiangjiang River sediment and find potential DBP degraders in the enrichment culture of the sediment. The sediment sample was incubated with an initial concentration of DBP of 100 mg/L for 5 d. The biodegradation rate of DBP was detected using HPLC and the degraded products were analyzed by GC/MS. Subsequently,the microbial diversity of the enrichment culture was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results reveal that almost 100% of DBP is degraded after merely 3 d,generating two main degraded products:mono-butyl phthalate (MBP) and 9-octadecenoic acid. After a six-month enrichment period under the pressure of DBP,the dominant family in the final enrichment culture is clustered with the Comamonas sp.,the remaining are affiliated with Sphingomonas sp.,Hydrogenophaga sp.,Rhizobium sp.,and Acidovorax sp. The results show the potential of these bacteria to be used in the bioremediation of DBP in the environment.

Presence of phthalates in gastrointestinal medications: Is there a hidden danger?

Pharmaceutical companies that produce gastrointestinal(GI)medications often utilize phthalates for their ability to localize medication release.Commonly prescribed GI medications that may utilize phthalates are 5-Aminosalicylates,proton pump inhibitors,and pancreatic enzymes.Our understanding of the cumulative health effects of phthalates from medications remains unclear,and there is increasing evidence that phthalates are not harmless.Experimental studies in animals have shown that phthalates,specifically dibutyl phthalate and Di-(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalate,have the potential to alter and/or inhibit reproductive biology and in utero development.Despite the lack of definitive human data,many cohort and cross-sectional studies demonstrate concerning associations between phthalates and poor health status,specifically developmental problems.Longitudinal studies and studies with larger sample sizes are required to determine whether phthalates actually cause negative health consequences.It is also important that physicians regularly review and discuss with patients the medicinal ingredients in their medications and supplements,specifically in pregnant woman with inflammatory bowel disease.

Effect of Mono-2-ethyhexyl Phthalate on DNA Methylation in Human Prostate Cancer LNCaP Cells

Objective To evaluate whether mono（2‐ethylhexyl） phthalate（MEHP） affects genomic DNA methylation and the methylation status of some specific genes such as patched gene（PTCH） and smoothened gene（SMO） in LNCaP cells. Methods LNCaP cells were treated with MEHP（0, 1, 5, 10, and 25 μmol/L） for 3 days. An ELISA assay was preformed to detect genomic methylation, including 5‐methylcytosine（5‐mC） and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine（5‐hmC） content. A pyrosequencing assay was applied to assess DNA methylation in PTCH and SMO gene promoters. The correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression was assessed. Results The proportion of cytosines with 5‐mC methylation in LNCaP cells was significantly decreased by MEHP（1, 5, 10, and 25 μmol/L） in a dose‐dependent manner（P 〈 0.01）. For genes in the Hedgehog pathway, there was no significant MEHP concentration‐dependent difference in the DNA methylation of PTCH and SMO. Conclusion MEHP might affect the progression of prostate cancer through its effect on global DNA methylation.

Activated sludge-mediated biodegradation of dimethyl phthalate under fermentative conditions

The biodegradation of dimethyl phthalate(DMP)was investigated under fermentative conditions in this study.The nature of the intermediate compounds and the extent of mineralization were probed using high-pressure liquid chromatography(HPLC)and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)methods.The fermentative bacteria were able to biodegrade the DMP under anaerobic conditions,with the biodegradation rate of 0.36 mg DMP/(L·h).The results demonstrated that the DMP degradation under fermentative conditions ...

Urine Metabonomic Analysis of Interventions Effect of Soy Isoflavones on Rats Exposed to Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate

Objective Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate(DEHP) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant.As an endocrine disruptor,it seriously threatens human health and ecological environmental safety.This study examines the impact of intervention with soybean isoflavones(SIF) on DEHP-induced toxicity using a metabonomics approach.Methods Rats were randomly divided into control(H),SIF-treated(A,86 mg/kg body weight),DEHP-treated(B,68 mg/kg),and SIF plus DEHP-treated(D) groups.Rats were given SIF and DEHP daily through diet and gavage,respectively.After 30 d of treatment,rat urine was tested using UPLC/MS with multivariate analysis.Metabolic changes were also evaluated using biochemical assays.Results Metabolomics analyses revealed that p-cresol glucuronide,methyl hippuric acid,N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide,lysophosphatidycholine [18:2(9 Z,12 Z)] {lyso PC [18:2(9 Z,12 Z)]},lyso PC(16:0),xanthosine,undecanedioic acid,and N6-acetyl-l-lysine were present at significantly different levels in control and treatment groups.Conclusion SIF supplementation partially protects rats from DEHP-induced metabolic abnormalities by regulating fatty acid metabolism,antioxidant defense system,amino acid metabolism,and is also involved in the protection of mitochondria.

Impairment of Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Cellular Immunity in Kunming Mice

Immunity is crucial to the health of animals and it can determine their survival and fitness. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as a plasticizer and hence is the most abundant phthalate in the environment. Exposure to DEHP is of great concern for human health. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to DEHP would suppress T cell-mediated immunity in mice. Twenty adult male Kunming mice were randomly assigned into the control (n = 10) and the DEHP treatment (n = 10) groups. Both groups have free access to food and water, while the mice in the latter group drank DEHP solution (2000 mg/L) for 42 days. T cell-mediated immunity assessed by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response was depressed in the DEHP treated mice compared with the controls, however, wet thymus and spleen mass, white blood cells were not influenced by DEHP treatment. Taken together, different immunological parameters responded differently to DEHP treatment in Kunming mice.