Endocrine Disruptors Research Articles

Exploratory Investigation of the Correlation Between Microplastics and Breast Cancer: Polystyrene-Derived Microplastics Promote Cell Proliferation via Estrogenic Endocrine Disruption

Exploratory Investigation of the Correlation Between Microplastics and Breast Cancer: Polystyrene-Derived Microplastics Promote Cell Proliferation via Estrogenic Endocrine Disruption

Microplastics as Emerging Contaminants: Investigating their Potential to Alter Human Metabolic and Endocrine Systems

Micro plastics (MPs), which are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have drawn a lot of attention as new environmental pollutants. They are widely found in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial habitats, and they are increasingly found in human food, water, and air. These particles have the potential to seriously harm human health, with the metabolic and endocrine systems being of particular concern. The mechanisms by which micro plastics reach the human body, their impact on metabolic regulation, and their potential to cause endocrine system disruption through chemical exposure are all examined in this research. The analysis also addresses possible long-term health effects, highlighting the pressing need for additional study and legislative actions to lessen these effects.

Decoding Vitellogenin Subtype Responses: A Molecular Approach to Biomarkers of Endocrine Disruption in Scatophagus argus

Vitellogenins (Vtgs) are key yolk precursor proteins in fish, serving as critical indicators of gonadal maturation in females and reliable biomarkers for detecting xeno-oestrogenic pollution, particularly through their expression in juveniles or males. The vtg gene family comprises multiple subtypes that are species-specific, necessitating precise characterisation and quantification for effective use as biomarkers in studies on estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EEDCs). In this study, we successfully cloned and characterised the full-length cDNAs of three vtg subtypes (vtgAa, vtgAb, and vtgC) from Scatophagus argus. Differential expression analysis revealed that vtgAb exhibited the highest responsiveness to 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) exposure, with a 3-fold increase in vivo at 10.0 μg/g EE2 and a 30-fold increase in vitro at 10−7 mol/L EE2. The expression patterns were dose- and time-dependent, with peak expression observed 72 h post-exposure. While in vivo assays indicated moderate upregulation, in vitro experiments demonstrated significantly higher expression, attributed to direct hepatocyte interaction with EE2. These findings confirm vtgAb as the most responsive subtype to oestrogen exposure in S. argus and highlight the species’ tolerance to EE2, as compared to more sensitive species like Danio rerio. This study shows the evolutionary conservation of vtg transcripts across teleost species and reinforces the importance of subtype-specific characterisation to advance their application as biomarkers for EEDCs, with significant implications for environmental monitoring and pollution regulation.

In Silico Study Highlighting the Interactions Between the Active Sites of Steroidogenic Enzymes and Endocrine Disruptors Found in Daily Use Products

In Silico Study Highlighting the Interactions Between the Active Sites of Steroidogenic Enzymes and Endocrine Disruptors Found in Daily Use Products

Comprehensive Study on Endocrine Disruptor Removal from Wastewater Using Different Microalgae Species

The concentration of endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs) in wastewater is increasing, posing significant risks to living organisms. This study concerns the simultaneous degradation of a variety of EDCs from wastewater, including methylparaben (MeP), propylparaben (PrP), butylparaben (BuP), benzophenone (BP), bisphenol A (BPA), and estrone (E), in the presence of the microalgae Scenedesmus sp. or Chlorella vulgaris. The potential for the abiotic removal of these EDCs and their underlying degradation mechanisms were also studied. The presence of microalgae significantly enhanced the degradation of parabens, achieving complete removal within 7 days, primarily through the mechanism of biodegradation. BPA removal was also improved by microalgae, reaching 82% and 90% within 7 days with Scenedesmus sp. and C. vulgaris, respectively. BP degradation was predominantly abiotic, accomplishing 95% removal in 7 days. E degradation was mainly abiotic, achieving approximately 40% within 7 days, with a notable contribution from a biodegradation mechanism in the later stages, accounting for 27% and 40% of the final total removal in the presence of Scenedesmus sp. and C. vulgaris, respectively. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of EDC degradation by microalgae, highlighting the potential of Scenedesmus sp. and C. vulgaris to remove a mixture of EDCs from wastewater.

The role of lignin in 17β-estradiol biodegradation: insights from cellular characteristics and lipidomics

17β-estradiol (E2) is an endocrine disruptor, and even trace concentrations (ng/L) of environmental estrogen can interfere with the endocrine system of organisms. Lignin holds promise in enhancing the microbial degradation E2. However, the mechanisms by which lignin facilitates this process remain unclear, which is crucial for understanding complex environmental biodegradation in nature. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using cellular and lipidomics approaches to investigate the relationship between E2-degrading strain, Rhodococcus sp. RCBS9, and lignin. Our findings demonstrate that lignin significantly enhances E2 degradation efficiency, reaching 94.28% within 5 days with the addition of 0.25 mM lignin. This enhancement is associated with increased microbial growth and activity, reduced of membrane damages, and alleviation of oxidative stress. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicate that lignin addition alters lipid peaks. Consequently, by analyzing lipid metabolism changes, we further elucidate how lignin addition promotes E2 degradation.

Comprehensive Review of Biological Functions and Therapeutic Potential of Perilla Seed Meal Proteins and Peptides

This comprehensive review explores the biological functions of Perilla frutescens seed proteins and peptides, highlighting their significant potential for health and therapeutic applications. This review delves into the mechanisms through which perilla peptides combat oxidative stress and protect cells from oxidative damage, encompassing free radical scavenging, metal chelating, in vivo antioxidant, and cytoprotective activities. Perilla peptides exhibit robust anti-aging properties by activating the Nrf2 pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant capacity, and supporting skin health through the promotion of keratinocyte growth, maintenance of collagen integrity, and reduction in senescent cells. Additionally, they demonstrate antidiabetic activity by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The cardioprotective effects of perilla peptides are underscored by ACE-inhibitory activities and combat oxidative stress through enhanced antioxidant defenses. Further, perilla peptides contribute to improved gut health by enhancing beneficial gut flora and reinforcing intestinal barriers. In liver, kidney, and testicular health, they reduce oxidative stress and apoptotic damage while normalizing electrolyte levels and protecting against cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive and endocrine disruptions by restoring hormone synthesis. Promising anticancer potential is also demonstrated by perilla peptides through the inhibition of key cancer cell lines, alongside their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activities. Their anti-fatigue effects enhance exercise performance and muscle function, while perilla seed peptide nanoparticles show potential for targeted drug delivery. The diverse applications of perilla peptides support their potential as functional food additives and therapeutic agents.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Chemical Exposure

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication with significant implications for maternal and fetal health. Recent studies suggest environmental chemical exposure, particularly to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and phthalates, may be a novel risk factor for GDM. This meta-analysis investigates the association between exposure to environmental chemicals and the risk of developing GDM using random-effects models by comprehensive electronic search carried out in the EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies from their inception to November 2021. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for the association between environmental chemical exposure and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is approximately 5.923, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 5.314 to 6.60 which is a statistically significant association between higher levels of environmental chemical exposure and increased GDM risk. The findings underscore the need for public health strategies aimed at reducing exposure to harmful chemicals among pregnant women to mitigate GDM risk.

Endocrine Disruptors and the Heart: Unraveling the Cardiovascular Impact

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental contaminants that interfere with the hormonal system, posing significant risks to human health. Found in everyday items such as plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, and industrial materials, EDCs include both persistent chemicals, for example, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and non-persistent ones, for example, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and parabens. Mechanistically, EDCs mimic or block natural hormones, affecting processes such as glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and insulin signaling. These disruptions elevate the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases, especially when exposure occurs during prenatal and early life stages. The detrimental cardiovascular impact of EDCs extends beyond their diabetogenic and obesogenic effects. EDCs such as BPA and heavy metals disrupt estrogen and androgen signaling, leading to hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness. In addition, EDCs further promote oxidative stress, which contributes to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. EDCs significantly impact reproductive health, causing precocious puberty, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids in females and precocious puberty, delayed puberty, and infertility in males. The health ramifications of EDCs extend beyond the individual and can affect ensuing generations. EDCs cause epigenetic changes that can be passed down to future generations, compounding long-term impact on quality of life and healthcare spending. Intrauterine EDC exposure is associated with profound impact on fetal growth, potentially leading to low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction, which predispose these individuals to life-long metabolic and cardiovascular challenges. Mitigation of EDC exposure requires a comprehensive prevention strategy to minimize the widespread health impacts, starting from the individual and the family unit. These include making simple swaps in daily life such as minimizing use of plastic, processed food items, scrutinizing cosmetics, and paints for possible presence of EDCs and avoiding exposure to direct and second-hand smoking. However, broader regulatory actions need to be initiated on a global level to implement stricter safety standards, minimize production of EDCs and their entry into the ecosystem and exploring safer alternatives.

Natural Eutectic Solvent-Based Temperature-Controlled Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Nano-Liquid Chromatography for the Analysis of Herbal Aqueous Samples

In this work, two novel (-)-menthol-based hydrophobic natural eutectic solvents with vanillin and cinnamic acid were prepared and applied as extraction solvents. In this regard, 12 endocrine disruptors, including phenol, 2,4-dimethylphenol, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, 4-tert-butylphenol, 4-sec-butylphenol, 4-tert-amylphenol, 4-n-hexylphenol, 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-n-heptylphenol, 4-n-octylphenol, and 4-n-nonylphenol and bisphenol A, were studied in a green tea drink. A temperature-controlled liquid–liquid microextraction was used as the extraction method, and nano-liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection was used as the separation and determination system. Different parameters affecting the compatibility of the non-ionic eutectic solvents with water-polar organic solvent mixtures and chromatographic and detection systems were optimized, including injection/dilution solvent, injection mode, mobile phase composition, and step gradient. With the same purpose, two stationary phases were tested, including XBridge® C18 and a mixed-phase Cogent C30-XBridge® C18. Finally, the greenness and blueness of the methodology were assessed to evaluate the environmental profile and usability of the procedure.

Endocrine-disrupting chemical, methylparaben, in environmentally relevant exposure promotes hazardous effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis.

Methylparaben (MP) belongs to the paraben class and is widely used as a preservative in personal care products, medicines, and some foods. MP acts as an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. However, the effects of MP have not yet been completely elucidated, as published results are scarce and controversial. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of subacute exposure to MP on the HPT axis of male rats. To achieve this, in this study the animals were divided into four experimental groups: control, MP3, MP30 and MP300 (3, 30 and 300 μg/kg/day, respectively). The rats were gavage for 14 days and sacrificed at the end of MP treatment. Our findings demonstrated that MP can promote important changes in thyroid morphology, including a decrease in follicular area, colloid area, epithelial area, and epithelial height, affecting the homeostasis of the HPT axis, and affecting the expression of genes related to hormonal biosynthesis. Furthermore, changes in interstitial collagen deposition were also demonstrated. Finally, we conclude that exposure to MP can be harmful to health, as it is involved in the dysregulation of the thyroid gland, affecting its morphophysiology, suggesting that even doses considered safe by current legislation can be dangerous and should be reconsidered.

Perfluorinated compounds linked to central precocious puberty in girls during COVID-19: an untargeted metabolomics study.

The incidence of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore the impact of perfluorinated endocrine disruptors on CPP through metabolomics analysis in girls from Hainan Province, China. Serum samples from 100 girls with CPP and 100 healthy controls were collected. Untargeted metabolomics profiling was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS). Differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were screened, and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed distinct metabolic profiles between the CPP and control groups. A total of 511 metabolites were identified, including 296 up-regulated DEMs and 255 down-regulated DEMs. Three perfluorinated compounds-PFSM-perfluoroalkyl_sulfonamide_Me, PFSM-FSAA, and PFCA-unsaturated-were significantly upregulated in the CPP group. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of multiple pathways in the CPP process regulated by these compounds. Perfluorinated compounds may promote CPP in girls by interfering with various pathways and affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function. This study highlighted the need for further research and public health measures to address environmental endocrine disruptors.

Mechanisms of Action of Dioxin-Like Compounds

Dioxins are one of the most potent environmental toxins known. They are commonly associated with industrial activities such as waste incineration, pulp bleaching and chemical synthesis processes. Their toxicity stems from the fact that dioxins can activate the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), thereby triggering a series of harmful biological responses, including carcinogenicity, immunosuppression, endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity. Dioxins and their analogues are a growing problem and a major challenge in modern ecology because of their highly chemically stable and heat-resistant structure, their stable chlorinated structure, which makes them difficult to metabolise, resulting in their bioaccumulation in living organisms and persistence in the environment. This research will describe the structure of AhR and the binding mechanism of dioxin and AhR, as well as the metabolic process of PCDD, in order to more accurately predict its potential harm to humans and the environment, and help develop targeted drugs or antidotes to reduce or prevent toxic effects. This research summarizes the new understanding of the mechanism of toxic action of dioxins and their metabolic pathways, which can provide a reference for environmental pollutant screening and risk assessment.

Chlorpyrifos Influences Tadpole Development by Disrupting Thyroid Hormone Signaling Pathways.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphate insecticide with serious toxicological effects on aquatic animals. Although extensively studied for neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption, its stage-specific effects on amphibian metamorphosis and receptor-level interactions remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of CPF on Xenopus laevis metamorphosis at environmentally relevant concentrations (1.8 and 18 μg/L) across key developmental stages, with end points including premetamorphic progression, thyroid hormone (TH)-responsive gene expression, and levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Additionally, molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and luciferase reporter gene assays were employed to elucidate CPF's interaction with the thyroid hormone receptor alpha (TRα). CPF accelerated premetamorphic development and upregulated TH-responsive genes but delayed later-stage metamorphosis. After 21 days of exposure to 18 μg/L CPF, T3 and T4 levels were reduced by 28% and 39.4%, respectively, compared to controls. Cotreatment with T3 and CPF slowed tadpole development, indicating that CPF affects thyroid signaling in a stage-dependent manner. CPF competed with T3 for TRα binding and stimulated TRα-mediated luciferase activity when administered alone, but this activity decreased when CPF was coexposed to T3. These findings suggest that CPF functions as a partial agonist of TRα, disrupting thyroid signaling and adversely affecting amphibian development.

Propolis extract nanoparticles alleviate diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats: antidiabetic, antioxidant, and steroidogenesis modulatory role.

Diabetes can affect male fertility via oxidative stress and endocrine system disruption. Nanomedicine based on natural products is employed to address diabetes complications. The current study aims to investigate the potential beneficial effect of propolis extract nanoparticles against diabetes-induced testicular damage in male rats. Sixty male rats were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 10). The first group served as a control group. The second and third received propolis extract (Pr)and propolis extract nanoparticles (PrNPs). The fourth group is the diabetic group that received streptozotocin (STZ) (55mg kg/bwt) single-dose i/p. The fifth and sixth groups are diabetic rats treated with Pr and PrNPs. Both Pr and PrNPs were received at a dose (100mg/kg bwt) orally. After 60 days, animals were euthanized, then pancreatic and testicular tissues were collected for redox status evaluation, gene expression analysis, and histopathological examination. Also, hormonal analysis (Insulin, total testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH) ) along with semen quality evaluation were done. Results showed that the induction of diabetes led to testicular and pancreatic redox status deterioration showing a reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH)as well as elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Also, relative transcript levels of testicular cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 (CYP11A1), 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD-3β), and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2) were significantly down-regulated, While the advanced glycation end-product receptor (AGER) relative gene expression was significantly upregulated. Furthermore, hormonal and semen analysis disturbances were observed. Upon treatment with Pr and PrNPs, a marked upregulation of testicular gene expression of CYP11A1, HSD-3β, and NFE2L2 as well as a downregulation of AGER, was observed. Hormones and semen analysis were improved. In addition, the testicular and pancreatic redox status was enhanced. Results were confirmed via histopathological investigations. PrNPs outperformed Pr in terms of steroidogenesis pathway improvement, testicular antioxidant defense mechanism augmentation, and prospective antidiabetic activity.

Premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy and Alzheimer's disease imaging biomarkers later in life.

Premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy (PBO) before the age of 46 years is associated with an increased risk of dementia. We investigated the long-term effects of PBO performed before age 50 years on amyloid beta (Aβ), tau, and neurodegeneration imaging biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mayo Clinic Cohort Study of Oophorectomy and Aging-2 participants were divided into early PBO (< 46 years; n=61), and late PBO (46-49 years; n=51) groups and were compared to referent women who did not undergo PBO (n=119). Early PBO was associated with thinner entorhinal cortex (p=0.014), higher tau load at higher levels of Aβ load (Pp=0.005), higher Aβ load (p=0.026), and smaller temporal lobe cortical thickness (p=0.022), only at older ages compared to the referent group. PBO before the age of 46 years is associated with entorhinal cortex thinning, elevated tau at higher Aβ levels, along with an AD-like pattern of atrophy at older ages. NCT03821857 sex-specific effects of endocrine disruption on aging and AD. Premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy (PBO) before the ages of 46 (early PBO) years and ages 46 to 49 (late PBO) years was studied. Early PBO was associated with reduced entorhinal cortex thickness later in life. Early PBO was associated with greater amyloid beta (Aβ) load at older ages. Early PBO was associated with greater Alzheimer's disease pattern of atrophy at older ages. Early PBO was associated with higher tau load at higher Aβ levels.

Exposure of endocrine disruptive phthalates from fruit juices packed in plastic bottles and their risk assessment in Pakistan

ABSTRACT Phthalate esters (PAEs) are used to increase the plasticity in plastic packaging materials like plastic containers and beverage bottles. These are recognised as endocrine disruptors and pose potential health risks to consumers. So this study investigated the extent of phthalate exposure levels originating from plastic bottles across different brands of juice samples (n = 225), collected from local markets in Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan, encompassing (citrus, berry mixed, stone fruit, and fleshy fruit juices). For that purpose, plastic bottles were initially investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), followed by analysis of leached PAEs in juices by Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). FTIR findings confirmed the presence of PAEs in plastic bottles through the assessment of two different peaks at 1713 cm−1 (aromatic esters) and 722 cm−1 (C-H wagging). DSC results revealed different glass transition (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) for amorphous bottles. The study found that PAE concentration varied significantly (p < 0.05) across different juices, with mixed fruit juices exhibiting the highest concentration (71.93 µg/L), followed by strawberry (31.35 µg/L), citrus fruit (20.64 µg/L), and fleshy fruit juices (18.61 µg/L). GC-MS analysis confirmed the occurrence of several PAEs including DPrP, DiBP, DPeP, DCHP, BBP, DEHP, and DOP. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of PAEs was found in the range of 0.087–0.543 µg/kg-bw in all analysed samples. Although hazard index calculation indicated that all juices were within safe limits (HI < 1). However, it is noteworthy that DEHP exhibited higher values of carcinogenic in one specific juice brand of mixed fruit juice (BM-1), with a risk factor of 4.5 × 10−3.

Can Aluminum Affect Social Behavior and Cortisol Plasma Profile in the Neotropical Freshwater Teleost Astyanax lacustris (Teleostei: Characidae)?

Aluminum (Al) can cause endocrine disruption in aquatic animals, but assessments of animal social behavior in neotropical teleost fish species with importance for Brazilian aquaculture have still not been addressed so far, which can further complete this ecotoxicological knowledge. In order to evaluate the social behavior and plasma cortisol concentration of fish exposed to Al, we performed a 1 h acute exposure with Astyanax lacustris couples in three different experimental groups: control in neutral pH (CTL/n group), acid pH (pH/ac group), and aluminum in acid pH (Al/ac group; 2.0 mg L-1). An ethogram of social interactions between males and females and swimming activities were performed. Furthermore, the cortisol plasma concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent, and the gonadal maturation stage of the animals was evaluated by histology. Adult and mature females in the CTL/n and pH/ac groups were more aggressive and active than mature males, including several attacks on the male. Moreover, males did not present attack behavior in these groups at any time, but did show submission behavior and constant avoidance of female attacks. In the Al/ac, females did not attack males, couple decreased swimming activity, a repetitive movement toward the aquarium surface, and high mucus production were observed, making the water cloudy. Regarding cortisol plasma concentration, males had higher cortisol plasma concentrations than females in the CTL/n and pH/ac groups, which was not observed in the Al/ac group. Therefore, Al in addition to being described in the literature as an endocrine disruptor, it can be considered as behavioral disrupter in A. lacustris in this important freshwater species cultivated in South America.

A comprehensive review on advanced trends in treatment technologies for removal of Bisphenol A from aquatic media.

Toxic environmental pollutants are considered to be posed a major threat to human and aquatic systems. The fast advancement of the petrochemical and chemical industries has woken up rising worries concerning the pollution of water by contaminants including phenolic Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). The intermediate BPA used in synthesis of certain plastics, polycarbonate polymers, polysulfone, and epoxy resins of various polyesters. Due to potential health risks, severe toxicity, and widespread distribution, there is an urgent need to develop efficient techniques for the removal of BPA. Therefore, advance management for the active elimination of BPA prior to its release into the water sources is of serious concern. Degradation, membrane separation, adsorption, and biological treatments have been extensively examined as they are easy to operate and cost-effective for effective BPA removal. In this review, we summarized the mechanism and performance for removal of BPA by several sorbents, including natural polymers, natural inorganic minerals, porous and carbon-based materials. Comparative results revealed that composite materials and modified adsorbents have good performances for removal of BPA. Furthermore, kinetic study investigating adsorption mechanisms was also discussed. Hazardous quantities of such types of chemicals in various samples have thus been the subject of increasing concern of investigation. This review clarified the extensive literature regarding the major health effects of BPA and its advanced treatment technologies including biological treatment by natural and synthetic materials have been discussed briefly. It delivers regulation for future development and research from the aspects of materials functionalization, development of methods, and mechanism investigation that directing to stimulate developments for removal of emerging contaminants.

The characteristics of phthalate acid esters and bisphenol A in PM2.5 of a petrochemical city: Concentrations, compositions, and health risk assessment in Dongying.

Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) and bisphenol A (BPA) are recognized as common endocrine disruptors associated with various adverse effects on human health. However, limitations in existing systematic studies, particularly in air detection, have raised concerns about potential health risks from inhalation exposure. In this study, PM2.5 samples were collected in Dongying, a petrochemical city, from October 27 to December 6, 2021. The concentrations and compositions of PAEs and BPA in PM2.5 were analyzed, and health risks associated with inhalation exposure were assessed. The hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR) were calculated according to EPA standard methods for both adults and children. The mean concentrations of PAEs and BPA were determined to be 1152 and 3.7 ng/m3, respectively. BPA concentrations were found to increase during heating, whereas PAE concentrations were observed to decrease slightly. Diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), a major PAE, was reduced by approximately 20% during heating. However, 1,4-dimethylphthalazine (DMP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were observed to increase from 4.2 to 14% and from 5.9 to 11%, respectively. It is hypothesized that variations in the concentrations and compositions of airborne PAEs and BPA were influenced by district heating. An increase in the percentage of DEHP in PM2.5 was noted on polluted days, likely influenced by saturated vapor pressure. The estimated daily intake (EDI) for children was calculated to be higher than that for adults, indicating that children were exposed to significantly greater potential risks, although overall risks were observed to be low. The results of this study provide essential baseline data, such as concentration, for the management and control of emerging pollutants like endocrine disruptors in the urban atmosphere.