Plant endophytic bacteria reduce phthalates accumulation in soil-crop-body system: a review

Phthalate esters (PAEs) represent a class of widely utilized plasticizers, resulting in their pervasive presence in soil and agricultural crops, which poses significant risks to human health. This review examines the current state of PAE pollution, the microbial resources available for PAE degradation, and the associated degradation pathways. It highlights the advantages of endophytic bacteria over environmental microorganisms, including the prolonged survival of inoculated strains, in vivo biodegradation of PAEs, and multifunctional capabilities. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which endophytic bacteria mitigate PAE accumulation across the three defense lines (soil, crops, and the human body) are elucidated. The integrated approach of employing both plants and microbial agents for the remediation of PAEs demonstrates considerable potential for ensuring the safety of agricultural products and safeguarding human health. This work offers new insights into addressing the challenges posed by organic pollutant contamination and reducing PAE accumulation in the human body.