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Fate of Di-2-(ethylhexyl)phthalate in Three Sludge-amended New Mexico Soils¹

ABSTRACT

Di-3-(ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is toxic organic of concern limiting the reuse of sewage sludge on agricultural lands. The degradation, volatilization, and adsorption of DEHP-¹⁴C were monitored in three calcareous soils from New Mexico amended or unamended with sewage sludge. Evolution of ¹⁴CO₂ was the only mechanism of loss of DEPH from these soils. No volatilization of parent compound or organic metabolites was detected. The effects of sewage sludge on DEHP degradation varied with soil, DEHP concentration, and sludge incubation time. As a result, 50% disappearance time varied from 8 to 72 d, depending on treatment interactions. After 146 d, 76 to 93% of the DEHP-¹⁴C was evolved as CO₂. In general, DEHP persistence was reduced by previous exposure of the soil to sludge, but was increased or unaffected by fresh additions of sludge. Increasing DEHP concentration from 2 to 20 mg kg^–1 soil increased DEHP persistence. Degradation of DEHP was greater in two sandy loams (Typic Haplargids and Petrocalcic Paleustolls) than in a clay soil (Typic Torrifluvents). Preliminary data suggest extensive adsorption of DEHP by all soils with no effect of sewage sludge additions.

Key Words: di-2-(ethylhexyl)phthalate • degradation • volatilization

¹ Journal article 1128, Agric. Exp. Stn., New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces, NM 88003. This study was supported by funds from the Dep. of Energy under contract number DE-AC04-83AL21776.

² Research specialist, professor, and laboratory assistant, respectively, Dep. of Crop & Soil Sciences, New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces, NM 88003.

Received for publication October 5, 1984.