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Phthalate Esters in the Environment: Pollutants or Natural Products?¹

ABSTRACT

In industry, phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are used mainly for producing plastics. Often, their contribution to the weight of plastics is second only to that of the polymer itself. PAEs have also been reported to be present in biological, geochemical, and hydrological samples. Since indications exist that some PAEs may be toxic to man, and pose a threat to the ecological balance, it is important to know whether the PAEs in the environment are mostly pollutants, or natural products. This review of the literature suggests that the PAEs in our environment are more likely to be pollutants. A need for the characterization of the dynamics of PAEs in nature including their interactions with soil and water microflora is therefore clear and urgent.

Key Words: plastics • plasticizers • dialkyl phthalates • sample contamination • soil humus • microbial degradation of phthalate esters • phthalate ester bioaccumulation and biomagnification

¹ Contribution No. 455.

² Research Scientist, Microbiology and Biochemistry. Soil Research Branch, Canada Agriculture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A OC6.

Received for publication March 30, 1973.

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