Potential agricultural contamination and environmental risk of phthalate acid esters arrived from plastic film mulching

Abstract

The release and contamination of phthalate acid esters (PAEs) arrived from plastic film mulching in agricultural systems has been received great concern recently. Based on a comprehensive review of published literatures, this study systematically evaluated the presence, release, migration, and transformation of PAEs and discussed potential environmental risk. Even though a lower ∑6PAEs content observed recently, the PAEs are ubiquitously detected in both polyethylene and biodegradable mulch films with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) are the most abundant congeners. The use of plastic mulch film will increase the potential soil contamination of PAEs. The diffusivity of PAEs, the structures of PAEs and plastics, and the environmental conditions are factors influencing the leachability potential of PAEs from plastics. Potential environmental risk of PAEs arrived from plastic film mulching involved of soil contamination, air volatilization, and uptake by edible plants. The surrounding environment and the chemical molecular structures of PAEs will influence their environmental risks. The findings and discussion of the study indicated that there was no PAEs contamination risks of plastic mulch film itself but its interaction with concurrent agricultural practices may result in an agricultural environmental hazard and reduce the quality of edible plants. Therefore, further interdisciplinary research and integrated assessment of the sources and impacts of PAE contamination in mulching agronomic systems should be considered to assist in product improvement and hazard prevention.