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Leaching of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate from biodegradable and conventional microplastics and the potential risks
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Researchers compared the leaching of the plasticizer DEHP from biodegradable and conventional microplastics into seawater. They found that conventional polyethylene mulch film released the most DEHP, at about six times the amount leached from biodegradable alternatives. The study suggests that while all tested microplastics released some DEHP, the pollution risk from the leached amounts was assessed as low based on phthalate pollution indices.
There has been a growing concern about plastic pollution, both from a health and ecological perspective. One of the major concerns with plastic debris, especially microplastics (MPs) relates to their strong potential for releasing additives and chemicals. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a common plastic additive widely used as plasticizer in plastic products, and is of global concern due to its widespread contamination in the environment. In this study, two conventional nondegradable plastics (polyethylene (PE) bags and PE mulch) and two biodegradable plastics (poly(butylene adipate co-terephtalate)-starch-based-polylactic acid bags (PBAT/PLA bags) and PLA mulch) were selected to investigate the release of DEHP to seawater. The results showed that leaching potentials of DEHP from different types of MPs varied. Among the four selected MPs, PE mulch had the highest leaching potential (6.88 μg/g), followed by PE bags (4.24 μg/g), PLA mulch (1.10 μg/g) and PBAT/PLA bags (0.89 μg/g). The DEHP leaching kinetic curves of the four MPs were all in line with the pseudo first order model. The potential risk of environmental and human exposure to the leached DEHP was assessed using the average Phthalate Pollution Index (PPI). The calculated PPI indicated low pollution risks of DEHP released by the four MPs in seawater.
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Plasticiser leaching from polyvinyl chloride microplastics and the implications for environmental risk assessment
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Researchers measured the leaching of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA) from polyvinyl chloride microplastics under simulated marine conditions, finding that both plasticizers leached in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. These findings are important for environmental risk assessments of PVC microplastics, which represent a major fraction of ocean plastic pollution.
Effect of aging on the release of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from biodegradable and petroleum-based microplastics into soil
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This study found that aging processes like UV exposure and chemical oxidation cause microplastics to release more of the plasticizer DEHP, a potential carcinogen, into surrounding soil. Biodegradable PLA plastic released DEHP faster than conventional PVC or polystyrene when aged, suggesting that so-called eco-friendly plastics may not be safer in terms of chemical leaching. The findings are concerning because DEHP is known to disrupt hormones, and this study shows that weathered microplastics in soil could be a greater source of exposure than previously thought.
Effects of pH and Temperature on the Leaching of Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate and Di-n-butyl Phthalate from Microplastics in Simulated Marine Environment
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Researchers tested how pH and temperature affect the leaching of phthalate plasticizers (DEHP and DBP) from common microplastics including PE, PET, and PVC in simulated seawater. Higher temperatures (45 degrees C vs 25 degrees C) significantly promoted DBP release, while pH effects varied by polymer type.
Effect of particle size and environmental conditions on the release of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from microplastics
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Researchers studied how the plasticizer DEHP leaches out of microplastics under different environmental conditions, finding that smaller particles release more of the chemical due to their greater surface area. Higher temperatures, lower pH, and higher salt concentrations all increased the rate of DEHP release. The study suggests that environmental conditions can significantly influence how much potentially harmful chemical is released from microplastic debris in soil and water.
Adsorption of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) to microplastics in seawater: a comparison between pristine and aged particles
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Natural aging of polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics in seawater over three months increased their adsorption capacity for the plasticizer DEHP compared to pristine particles, due to surface oxidation and biofilm formation. The results indicate that environmentally aged MPs are stronger vectors for hydrophobic contaminants than fresh MPs used in most laboratory studies.
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