Distribution of phthalic acid esters in agricultural plants and soil

Abstract

The study observed the occurrence of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in the soil and agricultural crops (Triticum aestivum, Brassica napus, Zea mays) and their distribution to the individual parts. For the experiment were selected 4 locations in central Moravia. At two locations (L1, L2) winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) was grown, at the third location (L3) winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus), and at the fourth location (L4) flint corn (Zea mays). The soil samples (n = 72) and whole plant samples (n = 78) were collected during the vegetation. The aboveground and underground parts of plants, ears, siliques and seeds were analyzed separately.The values of DBP in soil at all areas ranged from 0.28 to 1.59 mg.kg−1 of dry matter and DEHP < 0.03 to 0.73 mg.kg−1 of dry matter. The soil at the L4 site, which was the most fertilized with organic fertilizers, especially manure, was detected significantly (P < 0.05) to show the highest values of both the PAEs (phthalic acid esters) observed (DBPL4 1.59 ± 0.07 mg.kg−1 of dry matter, DEHPL4 0.73 ± 0.18 mg.kg−1 of dry matter).Average concentrations measured in underground parts of monitored crops ranged from 1.68 to 14.26 mg.kg−1 of dry matter for DBP, and 0.12 to 10.34 mg.kg−1 of dry matter for DEHP. Values detected in aboveground parts were 0.03 to 8.84 mg.kg−1 of dry matter for DBP, and 0.25 to 4.59 mg.kg−1 of dry matter for DEHP. Average values of DBP in final products ranged from 0.05 to 0.83 mg.kg−1 of dry matter, and < 0.06 to 0.98 mg.kg−1 of dry matter for DEHP.