Concentrations Of Diethyl Phthalate Research Articles

Degradation of Dimethyl Phthalate and Diethyl Phthalate by Bacteria Isolated from Jazan, Saudi Arabia

P hthalate esters (PAEs) are commonly utilized in commercial, industrial, and medical applications. Various concentrations of PAEs have been detected in seawater samples and treated wastewater obtained from wastewater treatment plants in Saudi Arabia. Since these compounds pose adverse effects to human health, it is vital to develop efficient strategies to eliminate phthalate contamination from environments. In the present study, an enrichment technique was used to isolate phthalate-degrading bacteria from seawater and from activated sludge collected at Jazan Wastewater Treatment Plant, Saudi Arabia. Bacteria with the capability of degrading dimethyl phthalate (DMP) or diethyl phthalate (DEP) were isolated using minimum salt medium supplemented with these compounds as the sole carbon and energy source. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized to evaluate the residual concentration of DMP and DEP. Using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique, the isolates with maximum DMP biodegradation activity were identified as Achromobacter sp. M1 and Pseudomonas sp. M2, while the isolates with maximum DEP biodegradation activity were identified as Pseudomonas sp. E2 and Pseudomonas sp. E3. The optimum bacterial growth was achieved at 30°C, pH 7.0, and 2% NaCl, except for Pseudomonas sp. E3, which demonstrated its maximum growth in the absence of NaCl. The highest biodegradation rate for all the bacterial strains (> 99.0%) was achieved at 30°C, pH 7.0, and up to 2% NaCl within 4 days. Concurrently, Pseudomonas sp. M2 and Pseudomonas sp. E2 exhibited remarkable degradation rates (97.5% and 56.7%, respectively) at 4% NaCl whereas Pseudomonas sp. E3 showed its highest DEP degradation (82.4%) after 4 days in the absence of NaCl. This study offers potential candidates, including Achromobacter sp. M1, Pseudomonas sp. M2, Pseudomonas sp. E2, and Pseudomonas sp. E3, for the proficient biodegradation of DMP and DEP.

Levels of Phthalate Acid Esters in Carbonated Soft Drinks Bottled in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottles Kept under Various Storage Conditions in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Background: Carbonated soft drinks (CSD), packaged in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, are among the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage globally. People of all ages enjoy CSDs for their flavour, mouthfeel, crispness, freshness, and capacity to both quench thirst and provide mental refreshment. Terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and other additives such as phthalates are the materials used to make these PET bottles. Several studies have demonstrated that phthalates may migrate into packaged goods and, when consumed, can cause several ill-health conditions to humans. Type II diabetes, obesity, asthma, male and female reproductive disorders, tumours (including breast cancer), pituitary, hypothalamic, and peripheral hormone disorders, behavioral issues, and neurodevelopmental disorders are among the health issues reported to be associated with phthalates. Objective: This study aimed to ascertain the presence and concentration of phthalates in PET bottled carbonated soft drinks produced in Mwanza City, and to examine the effects of various storage conditions on the migration of these contaminants into the product. Methods: Liquid-liquid extraction, clean-up techniques, and chromatographic analysis were used as the methods of determination to identify and quantify the specific phthalates compounds. Results: The findings demonstrated that after being stored outdoors for four to six months, the migration, especially for dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di [2-ethylhexyl] phthalate (DEHP), became more apparent. After two, four, and six months of indoor storage, there was no appreciable change in the mean concentrations of DMP (dimethyl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate), DBP (dibutyl phthalate), and DEHP for either brand in this study. Compared to indoor storage, the DBP and DEHP migration increased by up to 24-fold when the two brands were kept outdoors for four and six months. Thus, the safety and quality of carbonated soft drinks were seriously compromised by the phthalate compounds from the PET bottles that these companies were using. Conclusion: The study's conclusions show that PET packaging, which is influenced by the bottle manufacturing process and raw material formulations for packages of the studied CSDs, are responsible for the migration of phthalates into the products. The storage conditions and time are established to be the primary causes of phthalates migration in bottled carbonated soft drinks. Though the migration figures in this study are lower than those of the other studies from different locations that were compared, it is important to remember that these compounds may interfere with hormones even in small quantities.

Pollution characteristics, sources, and health risks of phthalate esters in ambient air: A daily continuous monitoring study in the central Chinese city of Nanchang

In recent years, the atmospheric pollution caused by phthalate esters (PAEs) has been increasing due to the widespread use of PAE-containing materials. Existing research on atmospheric PAEs lacks long-term continuous observation and samples from cities in central China. To investigate the pollution characteristics, sources, and health risks of PAEs in the ambient air of a typical city in central China, daily PM2.5 samples were collected in Nanchang from November 2020 to October 2021. In this study, the detection and quantification of six significant PAE contaminants, namely diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), were accomplished using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The results revealed that the concentrations of DEP, DnBP, DEHP, and DnOP were relatively high. Higher temperatures promote the volatilization of PAEs, leading to an increase in the gaseous and particulate PAE concentrations in warm seasons and winter pollution scenarios. The results of principal component analysis show that PAEs mainly come from volatile products and polyvinylchloride plastics. Using positive matrix factorization analysis, it is shown that these two sources contribute 67.0% and 33.0% in atmosphere PAEs, respectively. Seasonally, the contribution of volatile products to both gaseous and particulate PAEs substantially increases during warm seasons. The residents in Nanchang exposed to PAEs have a negligible non-cancer risk and a potential low cancer risk. During the warm seasons, more PAEs are emitted into the air, which will increase the toxicity of PAEs and their impact on human health.

Mechanism of the adverse outcome of Chlorella vulgaris exposure to diethyl phthalate: Water environmental health reflected by primary producer toxicity

As a ubiquitous contaminant in aquatic environments, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a major threat to ecosystems because of its increasing utilization. However, the ecological responses to and toxicity mechanisms of DEP in aquatic organisms remain poorly understood. To address this environmental concern, we selected Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) as a model organism and investigated the toxicological effects of environmentally relevant DEP concentrations at the individual, physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. Results showed that the incorporation of DEP significantly inhibited the growth of C. vulgaris, with inhibition rates ranging from 10.3 % to 83.47 %, and disrupted intracellular chloroplast structure at the individual level, while the decrease in photosynthetic pigments, with inhibition rates ranging from 8.95 % to 73.27 %, and the imbalance of redox homeostasis implied an adverse effect of DEP at the physio-biochemical level. Furthermore, DEP significantly reduced the metabolic activity of algal cells and negatively altered the cell membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, the apoptosis rate of algal cells presented a significant dose–effect relationship, which was mainly attributed to the fact that DEP pollutants regulated Ca2+ homeostasis and further increased the expression of Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3, which are associated with internal and external pathways. The gene transcriptional expression profile further revealed that DEP-mediated toxicity in C. vulgaris was mainly related to the destruction of the photosynthetic system, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, and DNA replication. Overall, this study offers constructive understandings for a comprehensive assessment of the toxicity risks posed by DEP to C. vulgaris.

Influence of different concentrations of plasticizer diethyl phthalate (DEP) on toxicity of Lactuca sativa seeds, Artemia salina and Zebrafish

Like other phthalates, diethyl phthalate (DEP) is considered as a contaminant of emerging concern (CEC) due to its ease in migrating from a package to water and food, and hence contaminate consumers, being metabolized and excreted in the urine. Its presence has a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems, especially with respect to disruption of the endocrine system and to reproductive disorders in humans. It mainly enters water bodies via sewage effluents from effluent treatment plants, due to its incomplete or inefficient removal. The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of DEP at different trophic levels and to analyze data on the incidence and concentration of DEP according to its solubility. The concentrations ranged from 12.5 mg L−1 to 500 mg L−1 considering the response for toxicity at each trophic level and to determine the lethal concentration in 50% of the following organisms (LC50) (in mg L−1): Lactuca sativa seeds, Artemia salina Leach nauplii and Zebrafish embryo larval stage (Danio rerio), being 41,057.58 after 120 h; 401.77 after 48 h; and 470 after 96 h of exposure, respectively. As expected, higher organisms were more affected even at low concentrations, which shows the anthropological contribution of CECs to water bodies.

A novel hybrid system for continuous biodegradation and toxicity removal of low molecular weight phthalates

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) are environmental toxicants that can interfere with the endocrine system and cause adverse health impacts by mimicking the natural hormone activity. The present study focused on the biodegradation of DMP and DEP mixture by Cellulosimicrobium bacteria in a bioreactor under batch, fed-batch, continuous and continuous with biomass recycle modes. Biomass recycling was done followed by microfiltration using an indigenous low-cost tubular ceramic membrane. Under the batch mode of operation, maximum degradation values of 85 % and 58 % were observed at 1000 and 2000 mg/L initial concentrations of DMP and DEP, respectively, in mixture, whereas, complete degradation was achieved in the fed-batch system at the same initial concentrations. In continuous operation mode at 24 h hydraulic retention time, complete degradation was achieved for all inlet DMP and DEP concentrations. The biomass recycle operation mode was found to be the best strategy owing to complete degradation of the phthalates, even at very high inlet concentrations and at a short hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 16 h. A high germination index (GI) value of 91.86 % and 0 % brine shrimp mortality further demonstrated the potential of the biomass recycle system for the treatment of phthalate containing wastewater.

Measuring the effects of diethyl phthalate microplastics on marine algae growth using dielectric spectroscopy

This paper presents the development of a dielectric spectroscopy-based method using a customized, transmission line probe, fabricated on a printed circuit board (PCB), for monitoring the effect of diethyl phthalate (DEP) microplastics on marine algae growth. Experiments were performed by exposing marine algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) to DEP (0–50 mg) for up to 6 days. In order to amplify the electrophysiological effects and improve the sensing, a glutaraldehyde crosslinking agent was used and encapsulated on the surface of the probe. The reflection coefficient (S11) and the complex permittivity (ɛ′ & ɛ″) of the Medium Under Test (MUT) were investigated in the frequency range of 30 kHz–800 MHz. Without the presence of DEP, the number of algae (104 cells/mL) and chlorophyll content (mg/L) increased at the rates of 207.73 × 104 cells/mL and 148.1 mg/L per day, respectively. After 6 days of exposing Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) algae to different DEP concentrations, the growth rate decreased down to −11.92 × 104 cells/mL and −19.19 mg/L (50 mg DEP), respectively. Additionally, the linearity of the relationship kept decreasing as the DEP content increased from R2 = 0.9716 to R2 = 0.1050 and from R2 = 0.9293 to R2 = 0.4961, respectively. Dielectric spectroscopy using the custom, transmission line probe, at 740 MHz, showed linear relationship (−1.22 dB/day) between the reflection coefficient (S11) and hence complex permittivity (ɛ′ & ɛ″) without the presence of DEP. However, as the DEP content increased, algae growth was prohibited more intensely, shown both from the number of algae and the chlorophyll content. This trend was reflected on S11 and subsequently on the complex permittivity. This relationship confirms the capability of this method to monitor the growth of marine algae in almost real-time. This dielectric spectroscopy method could be a potential, low-cost tool to examine the impact of microplastic pollutants on marine microorganisms.

Two liquid phase partitioning bioreactor system for toxicant free water production from phthalates contaminated aqueous medium

Biodegradation of DMP (dimethyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate) is a global environmental concern due to their endocrine disrupting nature. In the present study, biodegradation of DEP as the single substrate and a mixture of DMP and DEP as dual substrates were examined in a two-phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB) using Cellulosimicrobium funkei. The TPPB system was run under batch and fed-batch modes of operation at different initial concentrations of DEP and mixture of DMP and DEP. Under the batch mode of operation, 93% degradation was achieved by C. funkei within 60 h with 38.75 mgL−1h−1 degradation rate. In the fed-batch system, complete degradation was observed up to 3500 mg/L total initial concentration of the phthalates (1500 mg/L DEP and 2000 mg/L DMP) within 24h. Phytotoxicity assessment of the treated water by seed germination and brine shrimp lethality assays revealed a germination index value of 86.17 and 13.33% brine shrimp mortality. Overall, this study revealed a very good potential of the TPPB system for detoxification of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment.

Associations between Children's asthma and allergic symptoms and phthalates in dust in metropolitan Tianjin, China

Prevalences of allergies and asthma have increased through the past few decades around the world, especially in countries and regions that have adopted modern lifestyles. Epidemiological studies outside of China have found a relationship between phthalates concentrations in indoor dust and symptoms of respiratory, skin and nose allergies. The aim of our study is to investigate the association between children's asthma and allergic symptoms and concentrations of different phthalates in settled dust samples collected from children's homes in metropolitan Tianjin (Tianjin and Cangzhou), China. We selected 126 cases with current allergic symptoms and 254 controls without allergic symptoms from the cohort of 7865 children. We collected dust samples from children's bedroom and analyzed them for their content of diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP). We found a higher concentration of DEP in rhinitis children's homes (0.33 vs. 0.27μg/g dust) and a higher concentration of DiBP in asthma children's homes (29.04 vs. 15.66μg/g dust). The concentration of DiBP was significantly associated with diagnosed asthma (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.57). A dose-response relationship was found between concentrations of DiBP in dust and asthma. This study shows that some phthalates are associated with allergic and asthma symptoms in children.

Micro-contaminant, but immense impact: Source and influence of diethyl phthalate plasticizer on bottom-dwelling fishes

Sustainable plastic-waste management is becoming increasingly challenging as enormous loads of plastic debris regularly accumulate in susceptible ecosystems. The microplastic (MP) particles generated from these plastic wastes are imposing additional threats to these ecosystems due to their small size as well as their ability to adsorb and carry toxic chemicals. The current investigation deals with one such MP-originated toxicant, diethyl phthalate (DEP), and its impact on two species of freshwater loaches from the Western Ghats of India, Lepidocephalichthys thermalis and Indoreonectes evezardi. The MP samples were collected from the sediments of the Mula River and characterized using spectroscopic methods and scanning electron microscopy. Polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene, were identified in the collected MPs. GC-MS analysis of the MP extracts revealed the presence of DEP, confirming the MP waste as a potential source of DEP pollution. Further, to evaluate the effect of DEP on survival of selected loaches, L. thermalis and I. evezardi were exposed to DEP concentrations (18.75–300 mg L−1) and the lethal DEP dose (LC50) was estimated to be 44.53 mg L−1 for L. thermalis and 34.64 mg L−1 for I. evezardi. Fishes were further exposed to sub-lethal DEP concentration for one day (Short term exposure: STE) or eight days (Long term exposure: LTE) to analyze the histological condition and oxidative status of the liver in response to DEP treatment. Histology revealed congestion of sinusoids and vacuolization after the LTE. Higher lipid peroxidation levels were also measured in the livers of both species treated with DEP, which indicated DEP-mediated oxidative damage. The antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase displayed elevated activities in response to STE and LTE of DEP. Collectively, the results demonstrate that MPs in the Mula River are a potential source of DEP. The findings also show that DEP exposure can be fatal to freshwater fishes such as loaches, possibly by causing increased oxidative damage to the hepatic system.

Fluorescence turn-on immunoassay of endocrine diethyl phthalate in daily supplies using red fluorescent carbon dots

Diethyl phthalate (DEP), as the environmental endocrine, would interfere with people’s endocrine system and has greatly harm in health. Here a sensitivity, eco-friendly fluorescence immunoassay technique was established based on “turn-on” red carbon dots (R-CDs) conjugated anti-DEP antibody (Ab) as the immunoprobe for the detection of DEP in daily supplies. The R-CDs will “turn-on” fluorescence when it in formamide solution, due to the change of the electron distribution on the surface and electronic charge transfer of the red carbon dots. The use of “turn-on” R-CDs as immunoprobe effectively increased the sensitivity of the immunoassay. Moreover, the R-CDs conjugated anti-DEP Ab without any additional embellishment. Under the optimal conditions, a good linear was established with the DEP concentration range of 5 × 10−2 ng/mL–10 ng/mL, the low limit of detection (LOD) of the proposed method was 0.0056 ng/mL. This project has satisfactory accuracy with recoveries ranging from 96.0% to 115.1%. Our research provides an accurately, simply and sensitivity strategy to detect the content of environmental endocrine DEP in daily supplies.

Impact of Storage on Levels of Phthalates in Sachet and Bottled Water Brands in Enugu State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The determination of phthalate ester concentrations in stored packaged water brands produced in Enugu State was carried out and the health risks evaluated. Packaged water samples were obtained in four batches from six sachet water and six bottled water factories, and stored outdoor for 1 month before analysis, while control samples were obtained and analysed immediately after purchase. Solvent extraction was carried out using dichloromethane, and phthalates concentrations were determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The range of limit of detection, recovery analysis and limit of quantitation were 0.001-0.002 mg/L, 81.26–91.47% and 0.003-0.006 mg/L respectively. The concentrations (µg/L) of DMP, BBP, MEHP, DBP and PADHE were<0.002–0.13, 0.41–1.84, <0.002–19.66, 0.76–4.22 and <0.002–0.81 in the bottled water and 0.11–0.36, <0.002–0.43, 0.21–5.75, 0.87–3.28 and <0.002–0.57 in the sachet water. Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) concentrations in the exposed and stored sachet water were significantly higher (P˂0.05) than that obtained from bottled water. There were also significantly higher (P<0.05) concentrations of Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) and phthalic acid decyl hept-2-yl ester (PADHE), and pH in exposed sachet water than the control. Non-carcinogenic hazard quotient for phthalate esters in the packaged water samples was ˂1, which indicates no carcinogenic health risk. The contribution of individual phthalates to drinking water for Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate in both adults and toddlers exceeded the 0.5% TDI in some of the packaged water brands. Results suggest that increased concentrations of phthalate esters in the exposed packaged water samples were as a result of storage temperature, while the presence of phthalate esters in few of the control samples was probably from the packaging process. Although the levels of phthalates were low, regular consumption of packaged water could be detrimental to health of the general populace.

Serum Diethyl Phthalate Levels in Infertile Females with Endometriosis

Background: Endometriosis has a complex multifactorial pathophysiology and is a leading cause of female infertility. Emerging evidence suggests the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals and environmental factors such as Diethyl phthalate (DEP) in the pathophysiology of the disease. Aim: To investigate the serum DEP levels in females with infertility having endometriosis and normal healthy counter parts. Methods: Married females (n=50) age 20-40 years, diagnosed with endometriosis and having history of &gt;1 year of infertility, were selected as cases. Age matched women (n=50) with proven fertility and screened negative for endometriosis were included as controls. Females on any medicine, having co morbid conditions were also excluded from the study. DEP concentration in serum was determined by using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Significantly higher levels (p=0.003) of DEP were seen in endometriosis females (3.76± 1.28 ng/ml) as compared to controls (2.61± 1.72 ng/ml). The comparison of DEP levels between different stages of endometriosis revealed an increasing, but no significant trend with advancement of the disease. Conclusion: High serum DEP levels in patients substantiate their role in disease pathophysiology. Therefore, it may be advisable to pay attention while using such compounds. There is an increased need to regulate the levels of such industrial compounds manufactured for daily use of human beings by efficient and judicious quality assurance plastics and by using the standards set by WHO and/or FDA. Keywords: Phthalate, Endometriosis, Diethyl phthalate, plasticizers, Infertility

Mass balance and kinetics of biodegradation of endocrine disrupting phthalates by Cellulosimicrobium funkei in a continuous stirred tank reactor system

This study investigated the potential ofCellulosimicrobium funkeifor degrading dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP). Effect of different initial concentrations of phthalates on their biodegradation and growth ofC. funkeiwas examined using shake flasks and a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Complete degradation of both DMP and DEP was achieved in CSTR, even up to 3000 and 2000 mg/L initial concentrations, respectively. Simultaneous degradation of the phthalates in mixture, i.e. more than 80% and 55% biodegradation efficiency were achieved at 1000 and 2000 mg/L initial concentrations of DMP and DEP, respectively, using the CSTR. Mass balance analysis of the degradation results suggested proficient degradation of DMP and DEP with biomass yield values of 0.64 and 0.712, respectively. The high values of inhibition constant Kiestimated using the Tessier and Edward substrate inhibition models indicated very good tolerance ofC. funkeitoward biodegradation of DMP and DEP.

Mg-Al–layered Double Hydroxide as Promising Sustainable Nanoadsorbent for Application in Water/Wastewater Treatment Processes; Diethyl Phthalate Removal

Introduction: Since phthalate esters and their derivatives have the potential to disrupt proper endocrine function, these compounds are considered as one of the most important groups of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The presence of these compounds in various aquatic environments has caused main concerns about human and animal health and causes problems in the environment.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The treatment process was carried out in a glass reactor containing 200 mL polluted water at room temperature. The Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (Mg-Al-LDH) were successfully synthesized and were applied as adsorbents for the removal of Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) from polluted water. The kinetics and isotherm of the process were investigated to determine the exact mechanism of DEP removal from the water medium.&#x0D; Results: The Mg-Al-LDH was a surface area of 673 (m2 g-1), a total pore of 0.716 (cm3 g-1), and microspore volumes of 0.627 (cm3 g-1), and a pore diameter of 8.64 nm. The maximum DEP removal efficiency of 96.7% was obtained at the DEP concentration of 10 mg L-1, Mg-Al-LDH dosage of 0.50 g L-1, and the reaction time of 30 min. The second-order kinetic model well depicted the kinetics of DEP adsorption (R2 = 0. 99). The Langmuir isotherm model best described the data by predicting the maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 95.6 mg g-1 and R2 of 0.99.&#x0D; Conclusion: All the results demonstrate that the Mg-Al-LDH is an efficient, safe, and efficient adsorbent in water and wastewater treatment.

Oxidative stress responses caused by dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) in a marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum

A marine diatom (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) was exposed to different concentrations of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) for 96 h within a batch-culture system to investigate their toxicities. Results showed that P. tricornutum could remove DMP and DEP effectively with removal rates of 0.20–0.30 and 0.14–0.21 mg L−1 h−1, respectively. In addition, DMP and DEP significantly inhibited the photosynthesis and chlorophyll a biosynthesis of P. tricornutum with 96-h EC50 values of 390.5 mg L−1 and 74.0 mg L−1, respectively. Results of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level suggested that the two PAEs could induce excessive ROS production in the diatom. Moreover, activities of antioxidant enzymes (i.e., SOD and POD) in the diatom increased with the increase of DMP and DEP concentrations. The results will help to understand the toxic mechanisms of PAEs, and provide strong evidences for evaluating their ecological risks in the marine environment.

Phthalate acid esters in pickled vegetables packaged in polyethylene terephthalate container: Occurrence, migration, and estrogenic activity-associated risk assessment

Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) in plastic products such as plastic-based containers are not chemically bonded. The migration of these compounds from the wall of the plastic containers into the water and food packaged is a health concern. The current work investigates the aspects leading to PAEs migration from the wall of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers into pickled vegetables and their estrogenic–based risk evaluation. Six PAEs compounds with control priority (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, bis (2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate, and di-n-octyl phthalate) were characterized and analyzed using 40 samples of pickles packaged in PET containers. It was found that the concentration of diethyl phthalate and di-n-butyl phthalate exceeded the EU limits (1.5 and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively). A positive and significant relation between PAEs concentration in pickles and storage temperature, storage time, and exposure to sunlight has been observed (P-value < 0.05). In contrast, a negative and significant relationship between pH and PAEs concentration has been detected (P-value < 0.05). The risk assessment of human daily intake indicated a diethyl phthalate safety factor lower than 1 (0.63 for adults and 0.39 for children), suggesting an increased health risk. Also, indexes of estrogenic activity associated-risk assessment were significantly high, indicating a high probability of adverse effects for human health.

Simultaneous removal of nitrate and diethyl phthalate using a novel sponge–based biocarrier combined modified walnut shell biochar with Fe3O4 in the immobilized bioreactor

A novel biological carrier combining sponge and modified walnut shell biochar with Fe3O4 (MWSB@Fe3O4) was fabricated to achieve simultaneous removal of nitrate and diethyl phthalate (DEP). The optimal reaction conditions of the immobilized bioreactor were: carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 1.5, Fe2+ concentration of 20 mg L−1, and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 8 h. Under the optimal conditions and DEP concentration of 800 μg L−1, the highest removal efficiency of DEP and nitrate in the immobilized bioreactor with the novel biological carrier were 67.87% and 83.97% (68.43 μg L−1 h−1 and 1.71 mg L−1 h−1), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the novel biological carrier in this study carried more bio–sediments which is closely related to the denitrification efficiency. The gas chromatography (GC) data showed that the nitrogen production of the immobilized bioreactor (99.85%) was higher than that of another experimental group (97.84%). Fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) indicated the immobilized bioreactor emerged more extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which was related to favourable biological stability under the DEP environment. Moreover, according to high–throughput sequencing data, the Zoogloea sp. L2 responsible for iron–reduction and denitrification was the main strain in this immobilized bioreactor.

Temperature Influence on Organic Molecular Interaction on Silicon Oxide Surface In Situ Measured Utilizing a Quartz Crystal Microbalance

The influence of temperature on the molecular interaction between diethylphthalate (DEP) and L-Menthone (Mth) on a silicon native oxide surface was in situ real time evaluated utilizing a quartz crystal microbalance. By increasing the temperature from 25 °C to 35 °C in a single component system, the physisorption and desorption rate constants of DEP increased, while those of Mth showed significantly small changes. Simultaneously, the surface concentrations of DEP and Mth decreased with the increasing temperatures. In the two-component system, the surface concentration was measured by alternatively changing gas phase concentrations of DEP and Mth in order to evaluate whether it irreversibly or reversibly changed. Because the surface concentration change was irreversible at 25 °C, the molecular interaction between the DEP and Mth was considered to exist. In contrast, the change became reversible with the increasing temperature to produce a negligible molecular interaction between them. Such a behavior change occurred in the temperature range less than 10 °C. The low surface concentration by the increasing temperature was considered to weaken the attractive molecular interaction.

Protective efficacy of Nigella sativa seeds against diethyl phthalate induced growth retardation, oxidative stress and histo-biochemical damages in Labeo rohita

The current study assessed the ameliorative potential of Nigella sativa seeds against diethyl phthalate (DEP) induced growth retardation, oxidative stress and histo-biochemical changes in Labeo rohita (rohu) fingerlings. N. sativa, a medicinal plant containing several pharmacological properties, was incorporated into three diets at 0%, 1%, and 2.5% levels, prepared by mixing N. sativa seeds with the basal diet. The median lethal concentration of DEP to rohu was 4.38 mg L−1 for 96th hour. Three hundred fingerlings (8.502 ± 0.009 g) were exposed to a sub-lethal concentration of 0.51 mg L−1 (1/10th of LC50) DEP, with or without N. sativa for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The results revealed that rohu exposed to DEP alone has significantly decreased growth rate, as opposed to rohu exposed to DEP in combination with N. sativa, which demonstrated markedly improved growth rates. A significant decrease in muscles protein contents of DEP-treated rohu was also noted. DEP exposure also inhibited the antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase) activities in all of the studied tissues (liver, kidney, gills and brain). Moreover, DEP exposure significantly increased lipid peroxidation levels, whereas glutathione (GSH) levels decreased in all of the studied rohu tissues in a time-dependent manner. Where DEP exposure has been found to enhance alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, and creatinine levels; a significant reversal in the levels of these enzymes was noted in N. sativa supplemented rohu. Histological studies of the liver, kidney, and gills indicated that N. sativa supplementation in rohu provides beneficial protective defenses against DEP-induced toxicity.