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Presence of Phthalate Esters Used as Common Plasticisers in Maltese Shoreline Sand
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Researchers conducted the first study of phthalate plasticisers DBP and DEHP in Maltese shoreline sand, analyzing 75 samples from busy and secluded beaches via UPLC-MS/MS. Concentrations varied significantly by beach, with anthropogenic activities and beach topography driving uneven spatial distributions of both compounds.
DBP and DEHP are two of the most common plasticisers used in modern industries, which have aroused a major concern over their ubiquitous occurrence and hazardous environmental effects. This study presents the first data of phthalates occurrence and distribution in Maltese shoreline sand. DBP and DEHP occurrence was investigated in three busy and secluded beaches, respectively. Analytical determination involved quantifying DBP and DEHP from 75 samples using UPLC–MS/MS through triple repeatability. The concentrations ranged between 0.0095 and 0.07034 µg/g and <LOQ and 0.0977 µg/g for DBP and DEHP, respectively. Statistical analysis of the comparison of phthalates in different beaches demonstrated that the occurrence of DBP and DEHP in Maltese shoreline sand varies. The differences in the occurrence of phthalates were attributed to the beach topography and anthropogenic pressures. Analysis of the effects of anthropogenic activities on the occurrence of phthalates showed a positive association. Distribution analysis showed that DBP and DEHP exhibit an uneven distribution along the shoreline. Conversely, different distributions were observed at distances away from the sea. The uneven distributions observed were associated with anthropogenic activities, different chemodynamic properties and wave action. Cluster analysis was performed to prove the interactions between the phthalates concentrations and the characteristics of the beaches.
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