Detection and risk assessment of bisphenol-A and phthalate esters in bottled water: implications for public health

The global consumption of bottled water has surged, particularly where safe drinking water is scarce Plastic water bottles may leachharmful Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalate esters (PAEs), into the water. This study analyzes BPA and six PAEs in bottled water from various brands in Central India, utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 39 samples from 13 brands were analyzed. The results show detectable levels of BPA (35.397 µg/L to 273.513 µg/L) and PAEs (ND to 1147.340 µg/L), with significant concentrations of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and BPA, posing potential health risks. A risk assessment based on hazard quotients (HQ) indicated that DEHP and BPA exceeded safe exposure thresholds for non-carcinogenic and anti-androgenic risks. Additionally, DEHP exhibited a carcinogenic risk. These findings emphasize the need for stricter regulations and continuous monitoring to mitigate the health risks associated with EDC exposure from bottled water.