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The Science of the Total Environment Mar 2024Bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) produced from organic waste have the potential to reduce societal dependence on limited and energy-intensive mineral fertilizers. BBFs,...
Bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) produced from organic waste have the potential to reduce societal dependence on limited and energy-intensive mineral fertilizers. BBFs, thereby, contribute to a circular economy for fertilizers. However, BBFs can contain plastic fragments and hazardous additives such as phthalate plasticizers, which could constitute a risk for agricultural soils and the environment. This study assessed the exposure associated with plastic and phthalates in BBFs from three types of organic wastes: agricultural and food industry waste (AgriFoodInduWaste), sewage sludge (SewSludge), and biowaste (i.e., garden, park, food and kitchen waste). The wastes were associated with various treatments like drying, anaerobic digestion, and vermicomposting. The number of microplastics (0.045-5 mm) increased from AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs (15-258 particles g), to SewSludge-BBFs (59-1456 particles g) and then to Biowaste-BBFs (828-2912 particles g). Biowaste-BBFs mostly contained packaging plastics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), with the mass of plastic (>10 g kg) exceeding the EU threshold (3 g kg, plastics >2 mm). Other BBFs mostly contained small (< 1 mm) non-packaging plastics in amounts below the EU limit. The calculated numbers of microplastics entering agricultural soils via BBF application was high (10-10 microplastics hay), but the mass of plastic released from AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs and SewSludge-BBFs was limited (< 1 and <7 kg hay) compared to Biowaste-BBFs (95-156 kg hay). The concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP; < 2.5 mg kg) and phthalate transformation products (< 8 mg kg) were low (< benchmark of 50 mg kg for DEHP), attributable to both the current phase-out of DEHP as well as phthalate degradation during waste treatment. The Biowaste-BBF exposed to vermicomposting indicated that worms accumulated phthalate transformation products (4 mg kg). These results are overall positive for the implementation of the studied AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs and SewSludge-BBFs. However, the safe use of the studied Biowaste-BBFs requires reducing plastic use and improving sorting methods to minimize plastic contamination, in order to protect agricultural soils and reduce the environmental impact of Biowaste-BBFs.
Topics: Plasticizers; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Plastics; Fertilizers; Microplastics; Phthalic Acids; Soil; Sewage; Dibutyl Phthalate
PubMed: 38307289
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170501 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2022Male infertility is a serious concern for public health, and the possible role of exposure to plasticizers such as phthalates and bisphenol A in contributing to the...
Male infertility is a serious concern for public health, and the possible role of exposure to plasticizers such as phthalates and bisphenol A in contributing to the condition is widely debated. We have herein enrolled 155 infertility cases attending an infertility center and 211 controls (fathers of a spontaneously conceived newborn) to investigate this issue. The urinary levels of seven phthalates and BPA were analyzed through HPLC/MS/MS. All data were statistically elaborated considering information about clinical situation, life habits, occupational activity, and, for cases, semen parameters (volume, sperm concentration, total count of spermatozoa, and sperm motility). Results showed significantly higher urinary concentrations for all the phthalates in cases compared to controls, except for monoethylphthalate and BPA. In total, 90.07% of cases had sperm motility lower than the WHO reference value (2010), while 53.69%, 46.31%, and 16.56% had sperm total number, concentration, and volume, respectively, out of the reference range. Regarding the possible source of exposure, the use of scents seems to be a significant source of DEP (diethylphthalate). When considering occupational settings, industrial workers, dental technicians, artisans, and farmers using chemicals showed higher risk (OR = 2.766, 95% CI 1.236-6.185), particularly in relation to DnBP (di--butyl phthalate) and DEHP (di-ethyl-hexyl phthalate) exposure. No clear quantitative correlation between specific plasticizers and sperm parameters could be demonstrated but these findings call for future studies about the risks associated with exposure to their mixture.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Male; Humans; Plasticizers; Case-Control Studies; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Sperm Motility; Semen; Phthalic Acids; Infertility; Fertility; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 36612557
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010235 -
Environment International Jun 2022The obesity pandemic is presumed to be accelerated by endocrine disruptors such as phthalate-plasticizers, which interfere with adipose tissue function. With the...
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate substitutes accelerate human adipogenesis through PPARγ activation and cause oxidative stress and impaired metabolic homeostasis in mature adipocytes.
The obesity pandemic is presumed to be accelerated by endocrine disruptors such as phthalate-plasticizers, which interfere with adipose tissue function. With the restriction of the plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), the search for safe substitutes gained importance. Focusing on the master regulator of adipogenesis and adipose tissue functionality, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), we evaluated 20 alternative plasticizers as well as their metabolites for binding to and activation of PPARγ and assessed effects on adipocyte lipid accumulation. Among several compounds that showed interaction with PPARγ, the metabolites MINCH, MHINP, and OH-MPHP of the plasticizers DINCH, DINP, and DPHP exerted the highest adipogenic potential in human adipocytes. These metabolites and their parent plasticizers were further analyzed in human preadipocytes and mature adipocytes using cellular assays and global proteomics. In preadipocytes, the plasticizer metabolites significantly increased lipid accumulation, enhanced leptin and adipsin secretion, and upregulated adipogenesis-associated markers and pathways, in a similar pattern to the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone. Proteomics of mature adipocytes revealed that both, the plasticizers and their metabolites, induced oxidative stress, disturbed lipid storage, impaired metabolic homeostasis, and led to proinflammatory and insulin resistance promoting adipokine secretion. In conclusion, the plasticizer metabolites enhanced preadipocyte differentiation, at least partly mediated by PPARγ activation and, together with their parent plasticizers, affected the functionality of mature adipocytes similar to reported effects of a high-fat diet. This highlights the need to further investigate the currently used plasticizer alternatives for potential associations with obesity and the metabolic syndrome.
Topics: Adipocytes; Adipogenesis; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Homeostasis; Humans; Lipids; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; PPAR gamma; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers
PubMed: 35567983
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107279 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Aug 2022The application of plastic mulch films brings convenience to agricultural production, but also causes plastic waste that can be degraded into microplastics (MPs)....
The application of plastic mulch films brings convenience to agricultural production, but also causes plastic waste that can be degraded into microplastics (MPs). However, little is known about the fate of plastic waste in agricultural ecosystem under freeze-thaw alternation in middle and high latitudes, as well as in highlands around the world. Whether the release of plasticizers, i.e. phthalate esters (PAEs), under such conditions would pose a potential risk to exposed organisms due to bioaccumulation is also unknown. To fill these data gaps, the agricultural fields in Liaoning of China with typical freeze-thaw alternation was selected as the study area. The transformation of plastic film was demonstrated by simulation freeze-thaw alternating from -30 to 20 ℃. Soil samples were collected to investigate the patterns of MP composition, abundance, and distribution. Concurrently, the concentrations of two PAEs including bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) in soils were analyzed to provide information on the correlation between MPs abundance and PAEs concentrations as well as potential risks. The results showed that freeze-thaw alternating can accelerate the formation of MPs and release of PAEs from plastic waste. The abundance of MPs was positively correlated with the concentration of PAEs. Soil PAEs ranged from 3268 ± 213-6351 ± 110 μg/kg, indicating that over 40 % of the PAEs were transferred from plastic films to soils. Such residual amounts could pose risk for exposed organisms. Hence, the current study suggested that special concerns should be given to the release plasticizers in plastic waste of agricultural soils.
Topics: China; Dibutyl Phthalate; Ecosystem; Esters; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Plastics; Soil; Soil Pollutants
PubMed: 35679726
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113742 -
IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of... 1997
Review
Topics: Animals; Carcinogens; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Experimental; Occupational Exposure; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers; Polymers
PubMed: 9268741
DOI: No ID Found -
PloS One 2018Plastic food contact materials (FCM)-based products were widely used in everyday life. These products were normally imposed to strict regulations in order to pass the...
Plastic food contact materials (FCM)-based products were widely used in everyday life. These products were normally imposed to strict regulations in order to pass the enforcement tests of compliance as a prefix condition. However, even in these "qualified" materials, unknown chemical substances, not involving in legislation lists, could migrate from FCM. In this perspective, the present work aims to thoroughly analyze by means of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) the different substances/migrants in 120 qualified FCM plastic products. Unexpectedly, among the identified compounds (nearly 100), only 13% was included in the permitted list of Commission Regulation EU No 10/2011. All the identified compounds were classified into 11 categories according to their chemical structure and the FCM type, whereas toxicology data were in addition analyzed. Each plastic type exhibited different preferences of chemical migrants. Fortunately, most of the compounds identified were of low toxicity, and only 4 chemicals were included in priority lists and previous literature reports as potential risk factors. Subsequently, the accurate amount of these 4 chemicals was determined. The amount of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were lower than the SML in Commission Regulation EU No 10/2011, and that of stearamide was under the recommended use quantity. The 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) was widely exist in the investigated FCM products. Among them, the highest level is obtained in polypropylene/low density polyethylene (BOPP/LDPE) materials, up to 45.568±31.513 mg/kg. In summary, a panel of unlisted chemical migrants were discovered and identified by GS-MS screening. The results implied that plastic FCMs were not so "inert" as they usually considered, and further safety evaluation should be performed toward the complete identification of new substances in FCM products.
Topics: Adipates; Food Contamination; Food Packaging; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Phenols; Plasticizers; Plastics
PubMed: 30517180
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208467 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2021A significant increase in the production of plastic materials and the expansion of their areas of application contributed to the accumulation of a large amount of waste...
A significant increase in the production of plastic materials and the expansion of their areas of application contributed to the accumulation of a large amount of waste of polymeric materials. Most of the polymer composition is made up of plasticizers. Phthalate plasticizers have been recognized as potentially hazardous to humans and the environment due to the long period of their biodegradation and the formation of persistent toxic metabolites. It is known that the industrial plasticizer dioctyl adipate is characterized by reduced toxicity and a short biodegradation period. The paper describes the synthesis of a number of new asymmetric esters based on adipic acid and ethoxylated butanol by azeotropic esterification. The receipt of the products was confirmed by IR spectra. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized compounds were investigated. The glass transition temperatures of PVC composites plasticized with alkyl butoxyethyl adipates were determined using DSC analysis. The ecological safety of esters was assessed by the phytotesting method. Samples of adipates were tested for fungal resistance, and the process of their biodegradation in soil was also studied. It is shown that the synthesized esters have good plasticizing properties and are environmentally safe. When utilized under natural conditions, they can serve as a potential source of carbon for soil microorganisms and do not form stable toxic metabolites; therefore, they are not able to accumulate in nature; when the plasticizers under study are disposed of in the soil, toxic substances do not enter.
Topics: Adipates; Biodegradation, Environmental; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Ecotoxicology; Ethanol; Fungi; Glass; Lepidium; Plasticizers; Polyvinyl Chloride; Raphanus; Soil; Spectrophotometry, Infrared; Transition Temperature
PubMed: 34443422
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164833 -
Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi. Journal of... 2023We determined the fifteen types of plasticizers, including four kinds of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) used in 220 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toys on Japanese market from...
We determined the fifteen types of plasticizers, including four kinds of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) used in 220 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toys on Japanese market from 2019 to 2020. Three kinds of previously undetected types of PAEs were also detected, but not identified in this study. Di (2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP) was the highest detection rate in 209 soft PVC toys out of 220 toys, with 71.2% for designated toys and 88.9% for not-designated toys, respectively, showing a gradual increase from the previous reports in 2009 and 2014. On the other hand, the usages of o-acetyl tributyl citrate and adipic acid esters decreased, but the six types of PAEs prohibited to use for the designated toys in Japan were not detected in them, the usage of diisobutyl phthalate were increased. In contrast, four types of PAEs were detected in not-designated toys. Among them, the detection ratio of di (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate decreased to about 1/10. The content levels of plasticizers in per each sample were continued to keep low level from the report five years ago. These results showed that the main plasticizer used in PVC toys is DEHTP, and that the usage of other plasticizers was decreased.
Topics: Plasticizers; Polyvinyl Chloride; Esters; Japan
PubMed: 37673604
DOI: 10.3358/shokueishi.64.145 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Sep 2022This study aimed to investigate the relationship between phthalate metabolites and renal function.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between phthalate metabolites and renal function.
METHODS
We analyzed data from 9989 participants who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. Renal function was reflected by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and hypertension. We used generalized linear regression to estimate the correlation between covariate-adjusted creatinine-normalized phthalate metabolites and renal function. In addition, subgroup analysis was used to further compare the effect differences between various populations.
RESULTS
In the adjusted model, we found differential associations between phthalates and plasticizers metabolites and renal function. We found that Mono-benzyl phthalate, Mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate, and Mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate were positively associated with lower eGFR with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 1.38 (1.14, 1.67), 1.30 (1.09, 1.57), and 1.27 (1.04, 1.53). While Mono-ethyl phthalate, Mono-(2-ethyl)-hexyl phthalate, Mono-isononyl phthalate and Mono-isobutyl phthalate were negatively associated with lower eGFR with OR values of 0.79 (0.69, 0.90), 0.64 (0.52, 0.78), 0.65 (0.51, 0.82) and 0.80 (0.63, 1.00), respectively. In addition, we found that Mono(carboxyoctyl) phthalate and Mono-isobutyl phthalate were negatively associated with hypertension with ORs of 0.86 (0.78, 0.96) and 0.84 (0.72, 0.98). But phthalates and plasticizers metabolites were not associated with UACR.
CONCLUSION
This study found differences in the effects of phthalates and plasticizers metabolites on kidney function, which may raise concerns about possible changes in kidney function resulting from exposure to current levels of plasticizers.
Topics: Adult; Creatinine; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Humans; Hypertension; Kidney; Nutrition Surveys; Phthalic Acids; Plasticizers
PubMed: 35914397
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113930 -
Comprehensive non-target screening of biomagnifying organic contaminants in the Baltic Sea food web.The Science of the Total Environment Dec 2022High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) based non-target screening (NTS) is a powerful approach for the simultaneous determination of multiple environmental contaminant...
High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) based non-target screening (NTS) is a powerful approach for the simultaneous determination of multiple environmental contaminant classes in complex biota samples. In this study, trophic biomagnification factor (TMF) directed NTS was performed to find and (tentatively) identify known, emerging, and new chemical contaminants that are persistent and biomagnify in Baltic Sea biota. The investigated food web included seven species: one filter feeder (blue mussel, Mytilus edulis), two fish (eelpout, Zoarces viviparous; herring, Clupea harengus), two marine mammals (harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena; grey seal, Halichoerus grypus) and two birds (guillemot, Uria aalge; white-tailed sea eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla). The NTS procedure included extraction with organic solvent mixtures, two-step high-resolution gel permeation chromatography clean-up, Florisil® fractionation, gas chromatography (GC) HRMS analysis in electron ionization (EI) and electron capture negative ion chemical ionization (ECNI) modes, and NTS data processing. The latter was performed differently for the EI and ECNI data: the EI data were treated using a flexible and highly automated TMF-directed NTS workflow, whereas the ECNI data were treated with a simpler and less automated workflow that specifically screened for brominated compounds. The two workflows collectively revealed biomagnification (statistically significant TMF values) of >250 tentatively identified compounds, including legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as PCBs and PCB-related compounds, DDT and its metabolites, and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), and halogenated natural products (HNPs). Among the tentatively identified CECs, nine have not previously been reported in environmental biota samples. These included four polymer additives (used as antioxidants, rubber additives or plasticizers) and two cosmetic product additives (ethyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate). The CECs should be prioritized for future structure verification and quantification using reference standards.
Topics: Animals; Biological Products; Cetacea; Charadriiformes; DDT; Eagles; Environmental Monitoring; Fishes; Food Chain; Persistent Organic Pollutants; Pesticides; Plasticizers; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Rubber; Seals, Earless; Solvents; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 36029819
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158280