TY - JOUR

T1 - Plasticizers

T2 - distribution and impact in aquatic and terrestrial environments

AU - Manatunga, Danushika C.

AU - Sewwandi, Madushika

AU - Perera, Kalani Imalka

AU - Jayarathna, Methmini Dilhara

AU - Peramune, Dinusha L.

AU - Dassanayake, Rohan S.

AU - Ramanayaka, Sammani

AU - Vithanage, Meththika

PY - 2024/12/1

Y1 - 2024/12/1

N2 - Plasticizers, essential additives for enhancing plastic properties, have emerged as significant environmental and health concerns due to their persistence and widespread use. This study provides an in-depth exploration of plasticizers, focusing on their types, structures, properties, production methods, environmental distribution, and associated risks. The findings reveal that petroleum-based phthalates, particularly di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), are prevalent in aquatic and terrestrial environments, primarily due to the gradual degradation of plastic polymers. In the analysis of 39 studies on water contamination during the period of 2022–2023, only 22 works could be extracted due to insufficient details on the numerical value of plasticizer concentrations. Similarly, soil and sediment contamination studies were fewer, with only 11 studies focusing on sediments. These studies reveal that high plasticizer concentrations, notably in industrial and urban areas, often exceed recommended environmental limits, posing risks to ecological integrity and human health through bioaccumulation. Bioaccumulation of these compounds in soil and water could negatively affect the microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and could destabilize the overall ecological integrity. Concerns about their direct uptake by plants and potential risks to human health and food safety are highlighted in this study due to the high concentrations exceeding the threshold values. The review evaluates current treatment technologies, including metal–organic frameworks, electrochemical systems, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and microbial degradation, noting their potential and challenges related to cost and energy consumption. It underscores the need for improved detection protocols, cost-effective treatments, stricter regulations, public awareness, and collaborative research to mitigate the adverse impacts of plasticizers on ecosystems and human health.

AB - Plasticizers, essential additives for enhancing plastic properties, have emerged as significant environmental and health concerns due to their persistence and widespread use. This study provides an in-depth exploration of plasticizers, focusing on their types, structures, properties, production methods, environmental distribution, and associated risks. The findings reveal that petroleum-based phthalates, particularly di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), are prevalent in aquatic and terrestrial environments, primarily due to the gradual degradation of plastic polymers. In the analysis of 39 studies on water contamination during the period of 2022–2023, only 22 works could be extracted due to insufficient details on the numerical value of plasticizer concentrations. Similarly, soil and sediment contamination studies were fewer, with only 11 studies focusing on sediments. These studies reveal that high plasticizer concentrations, notably in industrial and urban areas, often exceed recommended environmental limits, posing risks to ecological integrity and human health through bioaccumulation. Bioaccumulation of these compounds in soil and water could negatively affect the microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and could destabilize the overall ecological integrity. Concerns about their direct uptake by plants and potential risks to human health and food safety are highlighted in this study due to the high concentrations exceeding the threshold values. The review evaluates current treatment technologies, including metal–organic frameworks, electrochemical systems, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and microbial degradation, noting their potential and challenges related to cost and energy consumption. It underscores the need for improved detection protocols, cost-effective treatments, stricter regulations, public awareness, and collaborative research to mitigate the adverse impacts of plasticizers on ecosystems and human health.

U2 - 10.1039/d4em00317a

DO - 10.1039/d4em00317a

M3 - Journal article

SP - 2114

EP - 2131

JO - Environmental Science: Processes and Impacts

JF - Environmental Science: Processes and Impacts

SN - 2050-7887

IS - 12

ER -