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Distribution, sources, and ecological risks of phthalate esters (PAEs) in sediments from Xincun and Li'an Lagoons, Lingshui, South China
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Scientists found chemicals called phthalates, used to make plastics soft and flexible, accumulating in sediment from two coastal lagoons in China, likely coming from plastic waste, fish farming, and sewage. These chemicals pose risks to local marine life like algae and fish, and since phthalates are known to disrupt hormones and have been linked to health problems in humans, this pollution matters for anyone who eats seafood from these waters or lives near similar coastal areas worldwide.
Tropical lagoons are vulnerable coastal ecosystems where intensive aquaculture and plastic-related activities may promote the accumulation of phthalate esters (PAEs) in sediments. However, the distribution patterns, potential sources, and ecological risks of PAEs in tropical lagoon systems remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated 15 PAE compounds in surface sediments from Xincun and Li'an Lagoons, southern Hainan, China. All target PAEs were detected, with ΣPAEs concentrations ranging from 365 to 1438 ng/g dw. DBP, DiBP, and DEHP were the dominant compounds, accounting for 80.7% of total PAEs. PAE concentrations were generally higher in lagoon interiors than at outlets, reflecting the combined effects of semi-enclosed hydrodynamic conditions, anthropogenic inputs, and tidal dilution. Principal component analysis suggested that PAE contamination was mainly associated with plastic-related materials, aquaculture activities, domestic wastewater, and waste-related inputs, although these source interpretations remain qualitative. HQ-based ecological risk assessment revealed clear species-specific differences. DBP was identified as the primary risk contributor, posing high risks to algae (HQ ≥ 1) at all sampling sites, while DiBP showed medium risks to fish at 10.0% of sites. These findings highlight the need to prioritize DBP and DiBP in future monitoring programs. Effective management should focus on reducing plastic waste and aquaculture-related inputs, improving domestic wastewater treatment, and strengthening pollution control in highly impacted lagoon areas. This study provides baseline information for understanding PAE contamination and supporting sustainable management of tropical lagoon ecosystems.
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Occurrence and spatial distribution of phthalate esters in sediments of the Bohai and Yellow seas
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Six phthalate esters were measured in sediments of the Bohai and Yellow seas, with sum concentrations averaging 9.1 ng/g and DEHP as the dominant compound (median 3.77 ng/g), with highest concentrations in coastal areas near industrial activity. The study provides baseline data on phthalate distribution in two important semi-enclosed Chinese seas and identifies associated risks to marine organisms.
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This study measured phthalate esters, chemicals commonly used as plastic softeners, in water samples from the Persian Gulf and assessed their ecological risk. Several phthalate compounds were detected at levels that pose potential risks to aquatic organisms. These chemicals are classified as endocrine disruptors and possible carcinogens, and since they leach from microplastics in water, their presence highlights how plastic pollution can introduce harmful chemicals into marine environments and the seafood supply.
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Researchers assessed phthalate ester contamination in Baiyangdian Lake and surrounding rivers in China, finding widespread distribution of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals at concentrations that pose ecological risks to aquatic organisms, particularly during warmer seasons.
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Researchers investigated phthalate ester contamination across 37 sites in coastal South China, finding widespread contamination in both soil and plants with concentrations posing potential health risks, particularly from the plasticizers DEHP and DBP.
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