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Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Extraction of Organochlorine Pesticides from Plastic Pellets and Plastic Type Analysis
Published on: July 1, 2017
Phthalates and non-phthalate plasticizers in sediment from Korean coastal waters: Occurrence, spatial distribution,
Young-Sun Lee1, Jae-Eun Lim1, Sunggyu Lee1
1Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Due to regulations on phthalates, non-phthalate plasticizers (NPPs) are now used as an alternative. Limited studies have been conducted on the occurrence and distribution of NPPs. In this study, sediment samples were collected from 50 locations along the Korean coast to assess the occurrence, distribution, sources, and ecological risks of phthalates and NPPs. Phthalates and NPPs were detected in all sediments, indicating ubiquitous contamination of the coastal environment. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di(2-ethylhexyl)terephthalate (DEHT) were dominant, suggesting that DEHT could be an emerging contaminant of concern. The highest concentrations of phthalates and NPPs were found in sediment samples from harbors, implying they are contaminated hotspots. Sedimentary organic carbon was a major factor governing the distribution of phthalates and NPPs. Significant correlations were observed among phthalates and NPPs, suggesting similar sources and geochemical behavior. DEHP concentration exceeded threshold values, indicating potential health risks to benthic organisms in sediments.
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