A review of phathalates in water: A toxic threat to aquatic life

Phthalate esters are used as plasticizers to enhance flexibility and durability in a variety of products. A summary of the toxicity of phthalate esters was reviewed for microorganisms, algae, invertebrates and fish in the aquatic environment. The studies showed phthalates of lower molecular weights were implicated in acute and chronic phthalate toxicity in the aquatic environment. While higher molecular weight phthalate was not acute or chronic in terms of toxicity in the aquatic environment excerpt for daphnids, which occurred when true solubility of water was higher than the test concentration of exposure. Although some of the major routes of phthalates are water and effluents, leaching and other diffuse sources, but the concentration along the ecological food chain is via bioaccumulation and bioamplification, since humans are top of the food chain. Therefore, high concentration may occur in the human diet and results in the ill health effects. The aquatic system thus needs to be monitored, preserved and protected from phthalate esters toxicity.