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Published on: June 2, 2023
Meta-analysis of environmental contamination by phthalates
Alexandre Bergé1, Mathieu Cladière, Johnny Gasperi
1Laboratoire Central de la Préfecture de Police, 39 bis rue de Dantzig, 75015, Paris, France.
Phthalate esters (PAE) are endocrine disruptors found throughout urban water cycles. This review provides a comprehensive overview of PAE concentrations and trends across environmental compartments, highlighting geographical variations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Ecotoxicology
- Water Quality
Background:
- Phthalate acid esters (PAE), known as phthalates, are endocrine-disrupting compounds widely used as plasticizers.
- Their presence in various environmental matrices is documented, but a comprehensive overview within urban water cycles is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize PAE concentrations across all environmental media within the urban water cycle.
- To identify the fate, transport, and geographical/historical trends of PAE contamination.
- To explore correlations between environmental compartments and factors influencing PAE fate.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on PAE occurrences in environmental compartments.
- Analysis of data from urban wastewater, wastewater treatment plants, atmosphere, and natural environments.
- Evaluation of geographical and historical trends in PAE concentrations.
Main Results:
- PAE concentrations were evaluated across diverse environmental compartments, including wastewater, treatment plants, atmosphere, and receiving waters.
- Geographical trends were identified, with distinct patterns observed between Europe, USA/Canada, and China.
- European waterways show background contamination levels indicative of past diffuse pollution, while developing countries, particularly China, exhibit increasing PAE trends.
Conclusions:
- PAE contamination is a significant issue throughout urban water cycles, with varying geographical and historical trends.
- Understanding the fate and transport of PAE is crucial for effective environmental management.
- Ongoing monitoring and research are needed, especially in rapidly developing regions.
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