Physiological and metabolic alterations induced by phthalates in plants: possible mechanisms of their uptake and degradation

Abstract

Phthalates or phthalate acid esters (PAEs) belong to a class of chemicals renowned for frequent use in an array of plastic products. Phthalates are basically endocrine disruptors and act as mutagens. These are typical emerging pollutants and are largely debated because of their toxicological implications on living organisms. Phthalates stress is one of the prevailing stress to living organisms nowadays, which is not only limited to animals but also on plants. They interfere with the physiological and morphological characteristics of plants and bring about various metabolic alterations. Therefore, it is essential to explore the exact mechanisms adopted by plants to overcome phthalates induced stress. This review article is a dedicated attempt to unravel the probable mechanisms behind phthalate uptake, accumulation, sequestration, and degradation in plant cells and critically reviewed the plethora of toxicological effects caused by phthalates to plants including agricultural crops. The article will help understand the tolerance strategies adopted by various plants to cope up with stress, which will further help in the identification of plant species for phytoremediation.