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The Origin of Phthalates in Algae: Biosynthesis and Environmental Bioaccumulation
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Researchers reviewed the dual role of algae as both producers and accumulators of phthalic acid esters, common plasticizer chemicals found throughout aquatic environments. The study suggests that algae can both biosynthesize and bioaccumulate phthalates depending on environmental conditions, making them important organisms for understanding the cycling of these widespread contaminants.
Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are a class of ubiquitous and dangerous lipophilic chemicals widely used as additives in various products to improve their physical and chemical properties. Although they have been banned in many countries, their persistence in all environmental compartments is of particular concern. The aquatic environment is especially affected by these compounds because it is strongly influenced both by contamination of anthropic origin and natural contaminants including those produced biosynthetically by some organisms such as algae. In this context, algal organisms can be a source and remedy for phthalate pollution. Both the increase and decrease in uptake and production depend on the physicochemical characteristics of the environment. The dynamics of the natural processes are aimed at achieving an optimal environmental state for their competitiveness and balance of the cellular homeostasis. This review summarizes the studies dealing with biosynthesis and bioaccumulation of phthalates in algae and investigates the source of their origin by suggesting strategies to identify the process leading to their presence.
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Phthalate-induced effects in algae and fishes: insights into environmental toxicology
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This review of existing research found that phthalates—chemicals commonly found in plastics and personal care products—are harming fish and algae in waterways by disrupting their hormones, reproduction, and basic life processes. Since these chemicals build up in the food chain and we're exposed to them through contaminated water and seafood, this pollution could pose risks to human health too. The findings highlight the need for better regulations to limit phthalate pollution in our environment.
Microplastics: A major source of phthalate esters in aquatic environments
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Researchers demonstrated that microplastics are a major source of phthalate esters in aquatic environments, with PVC products leaching the highest concentrations and environmental factors like UV exposure and salinity increasing release rates.
The Problem of Phthalate Occurrence in Aquatic Environment
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This review surveys phthalate contamination in aquatic environments, covering analytical quantification methods, toxicity data, and sources of phthalate pollution. It highlights phthalates as plastic additives that leach into water from plastic products, posing risks to aquatic organisms and human health.
A review of phathalates in water: A toxic threat to aquatic life
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Researchers reviewed the aquatic toxicity of phthalate ester plasticizers across microorganisms, algae, invertebrates, and fish, finding that lower-molecular-weight phthalates are the most harmful and that these ubiquitous plastic additives pose broad ecological risks to aquatic ecosystems.
Environmental Aspect Concerning Phthalates Contamination: Analytical Approaches and Assessment of Biomonitoring in the Aquatic Environment
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This review covered the environmental occurrence, analytical detection methods, and biomonitoring of phthalate plasticizers in aquatic organisms, summarizing extraction techniques, bioindicator species, and the ecological and toxicological risks of phthalate contamination in water bodies.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.