RESUMEN

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are byproducts released from various sources, including microplastics, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, waxes, inks, detergents, and insecticides. This review article provides an overview of the literature on PAEs in landfill leachates, exploring their identification, occurrence, characteristics, fate, and transport in landfills across different countries. The study emphasizes the influence of these substances on the environment, especially on water and soil. Various analytical techniques, such as GC-MS, GC-FID, and HPLC, are commonly employed to quantify concentrations of PAEs. Studies show significant variations in levels of PAEs among different countries, with the highest concentration observed in landfill leachates in Brazil, followed by Iran. Among the different types of PAE, the survey highlights DEHP as the most concentrated PAE in the leachate, with a concentration of 89.6 µg/L. The review also discusses the levels of other types of PAEs. The data shows that DBP has the highest concentration at 6.8 mg/kg, while DOP has the lowest concentration (0.04 mg/kg). The concentration of PAEs typically decreases as the depth in the soil profile increases. In older landfills, concentrations of PAE decrease significantly, possibly due to long-term degradation and conversion of PAE into other chemical compounds. Future research should prioritize evaluating the effectiveness of landfill liners and waste management practices in preventing the release of PAE and other pollutants into the environment. It is also possible to focus on developing efficient physical, biological, and chemical methods for removing PAEs from landfill leachates. Additionally, the effectiveness of existing treatment processes in removing PAEs from landfill leachates and the necessity for new treatment processes can be considered.

Asunto(s)

Monitoreo del Ambiente , Ésteres , Ácidos Ftálicos , Instalaciones de Eliminación de Residuos , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Ésteres/análisis , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Brasil , Suelo/química

RESUMEN

Phthalates or phthalic acid esters (PAE) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) are ubiquitous chemicals often used as plasticisers and additives in many industrial products and are classified as both persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and new emerging pollutants (NEPs). Exposure to these chemicals, especially through inhalation, is linked to a wide range of negative health effects, including endocrine disruption. Air particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm can be enriched with PAEs and DEHA and if inhaled can cause multi-system human toxicity. Therefore, proper monitoring of PAEs and DEHA in PM is required to assess human exposure to these pollutants. In this work, we developed and validated a new and sensitive gas-chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) method for targeted analysis of PAEs including dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA), bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP), in PM. Analytical aspects including sample preparation steps and GC-HRMS parameters, e.g., quadrupole isolation window, to enhance method sensitivity have been assessed. The estimated limit of detection (LODs) of target PAEs and DEHA ranged from 5.5 to 17 pg µL-1, allowing their trace-level detection in PM. Extraction efficiencies of 78-101% were obtained for the target compounds. Low DMP and DEP extraction efficiencies from the spiked filter substrates indicated that significant losses of higher volatility PAEs can occur during the sample collection when filter-based techniques are used. This work is the first targeted method based on GC-Orbitrap MS for PAEs and DEHA in environmental samples. The validated method was successfully applied for the targeted analysis of PAEs and DEHA in PM2.5 samples from the eighth most populous city in Brazil, Curitiba. This work is the first to report DBP, DEHA, DEHP, and DOP in urban PM from Brazil. The observed concentrations of PAEs (up to 29 ng m-3) in PM2.5 from Curitiba may not represent the extent of pollution by these toxic compounds since the analysed samples were collected during a COVID-19 restriction when anthropogenic activities were reduced.

Asunto(s)

Dietilhexil Ftalato , Contaminantes Ambientales , Ácidos Ftálicos , Humanos , Material Particulado/análisis , Dietilhexil Ftalato/análisis , Ésteres/análisis , Brasil , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Dibutil Ftalato/análisis , Adipatos/análisis , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis

RESUMEN

This systematic review aimed to investigate the occurrence of phthalates (phthalic acid esters [PAEs]) in different food matrices, as well as report the main sources of PAEs in food, the potential risks to the population, and the factors that influence its migration from food contact materials (FCMs) to food. Nineteen PAEs were identified, including di-(2-ehtylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl-phthalate (DBP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) in fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, cereals, meat, fish, fat and oils, snacks, condiments and sauces, miscellaneous, and baby food. Fifty-seven values of PAEs were above the legal limits of countries. DEHP is the PAE with the highest incidence, with maximum concentrations above the specific migration limit (SML) for milk and dairy products, oils and fats, fish, cereals, condiments and sauces, meat, and fruits and vegetables. The risk of exceeding the tolerable daily intake (TDI) was high for DEHP and DBP in fish, fat and oils, cereals, and milk and dairy products for children and adults. Fat and oils are the most critical food for DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DINP. Comparing the estimated daily intake (EDI) with the TDI, there was a risk for "milk and dairy products" in adults and for "cereal and cereal products" in children concerning DEHP. "Cereal and cereal products" presented a risk in children and adults concerning DBP. The "fat and oils" category presented a risk in children and adults about DBP and DINP. Temperature, contact time between food and the FCM, fat percent, and acidity positively correlate with the PAE's migration. The contamination occurs in many steps of the production chain.

Asunto(s)

Dietilhexil Ftalato , Ácidos Ftálicos , Animales , Plastificantes/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Dibutil Ftalato , Verduras , Aceites

RESUMEN

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are considered endocrine disruptors and potential carcinogens. Consequently, efficient and accurate environmental monitoring of trace levels of these organic pollutants is necessary to protect the population against their hazardous effects. Passive sampling techniques have gained notoriety for environmental monitoring and have been proven highly sensitive to temporal variations. This study developed a miniaturized passive sampling device (MPSD) based on hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME). The devices were calibrated in the laboratory using an automated calibration system. The results demonstrated the first-order uptake ranges for Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and Bis(2-ethylhexyl phthalate) (DEHP) between 30 min and 24 h with sampling rates equivalent to 0.009; 0.021; 0.033; 0.085 and 0.003 mL h-1 respectively (R2 between 0.88 and 0.99). The calibrated devices were deployed in 12 marginal lagoons, stretching approximately 330 km along the main river. The extracts recovered from the devices were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC), resulting in the identification and quantification of DEP (0.697-13.7 ng L-1), DiBP (0.100-4.43 ng L-1), DBP (0.014-1.21 ng L-1), BBP (0.218-5.67 ng L-1), and DEHP (0.002-2.24 ng L-1). Despite being frequently identified, DEHP concentrations were well below the maximum established limits, revealing a good water quality in terms of the target PAEs. In contrast, screening the extracts using GCxGC was possible to detect other hazardous pollutants such as pesticides, drugs, and their metabolites. The described device was effective and reliable, providing accurate PAE measurements following short exposure periods. In this sense, its deployment during emergency operations, such as accidental discharges of industrial effluents into natural waters, could continuously and cost-effectively monitor water quality.

Asunto(s)

Dietilhexil Ftalato , Disruptores Endocrinos , Contaminantes Ambientales , Microextracción en Fase Líquida , Plaguicidas , Ácidos Ftálicos , Carcinógenos/análisis , Celulosa , Dibutil Ftalato/análogos & derivados , Dibutil Ftalato/análisis , Disruptores Endocrinos/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Ésteres/análisis , Plaguicidas/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis

RESUMEN

Phthalates and bisphenols are ubiquitous environmental pollutants with the ability to perturb different systems. Specifically, they can alter the endocrine system, and this is why they are also known as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). Interestingly, they are related to the development and progression of breast cancer (BC), but the threshold concentrations at which they trigger that are not well established. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the concentration measures of parent EDCs in three groups of women (without BC, with BC, and BC survivors) from two urban populations in Mexico, to establish a possible association between EDCs and this disease. We consider the measure of the parent compounds would reflect the individual's exposure. METHODS: The levels of di-ethyl-hexyl-phthalate (DEHP), butyl-benzyl-phthalate (BBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-ethyl-phthalate (DEP), bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) were determined by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry in 102 subjects, including 37 women without any pathological disease, 46 patients with BC and 19 women survivals of BC of Mexico and Toluca City. RESULTS: All phthalates were detected in 100% of women, two of them were significantly higher in patients with different BC subtypes in Mexico City. Differential increases were observed mainly in the serum concentration of phthalates in women with BC compared to women without disease between Mexico and Toluca City. In addition, when performing an analysis of the concentrations of phthalates by molecular type of BC, DEP and BBP were found mainly in aggressive and poorly differentiated types of BC. It should be noted that female BC survivors treated with anti-hormonal therapy showed lower levels of BBP than patients with BC. BPA and BPS were found in most samples from Mexico City. However, BPS was undetectable in women from Toluca City. DISCUSSION: The results of our study support the hypothesis of a positive association between exposure to phthalates and BC incidence.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias de la Mama , Disruptores Endocrinos , Ácidos Ftálicos , Compuestos de Bencidrilo/análisis , Neoplasias de la Mama/epidemiología , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Femenino , Humanos , Fenoles , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Plastificantes/análisis , Sobrevivientes

RESUMEN

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and adipates are plasticizers with high applicability in several products and building materials (e.g. cosmetics, packing) very persistent in the environment, features which render them ubiquitous pollutants. These substances can contaminate food through the environment (water, air, and soil) and/or migration from packaging materials, which creates a health concern due to their toxicity. This paper describes an eco-friendly dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) procedure to extract five phthalates and bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) from bottled herbal-based beverages followed by GC-MS/MS quantification. The method showed low limits of detection (5.0-13 µg L-1) and quantification (20-35 µg L-1), good inter- and intraday precision (RSD < 19%), and recoveries ranging from 82 to 111%. It was applied to 16 real samples, of which 13 showed the presence of at least one of the analytes under study. Additionally, an exposure assessment was performed, and resulted in a hazard quotient less than 1 (HQ < 1) for all analytes. Therefore, PAEs and DEHA found in samples do not pose a health issue.

Asunto(s)

Adipatos/análisis , Bebidas Gaseosas/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Ésteres , Embalaje de Alimentos , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas/métodos , Límite de Detección , Microextracción en Fase Líquida/métodos , Ácidos Ftálicos/química , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Espectrometría de Masas en Tándem/métodos

RESUMEN

In widespread use in commercial products as plasticizers, phthalic acid esters (phthalates) have worried researchers and society in general, given the negative impacts on living organisms, especially human health. Since they are not chemically linked to the polymeric matrix, their migration is evident for samples that come into contact with plastics that contain them, such as water, food and saliva. In this work, a new strategy is described, named parallel-disposable pipette extraction (Pa-DPX), in a fast, efficient and robust analytical method using five simultaneous extractions for the determination of migration of 6 phthalates from common plastic materials (children's toys, school supplies, dog toys and oral contact items) to saliva simulant, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The optimized conditions were 5 extraction cycles with 1600 µL of saliva simulant and desorption with 200 µL of ethyl acetate using 5 cycles with the same aliquot. The calibration curves resulted in determination coefficients higher than 0.9915, limits of detection at 1.5 µg L-1, and the quantification limits were 5.0 µg L-1. Excellent results were obtained for repeatability (relative standard deviation ranging from 8.7% to 20.1% for 5 µg L-1) and intermediate precision, varying the day of analyses (7.9%-16.2%). The analyte recovery ranged from 75% to 114% for two different samples, in four different levels of concentration. The Pa-DPX-GC-MS method was successfully applied to determine the migration of PAE from 21 samples. At least one PAE was detected in 81% of samples, and di-n-octyl phthalate was found in higher concentration, achieving the migration of almost 30 µg per g of sample.

Asunto(s)

Ácidos Ftálicos , Plásticos , Animales , Perros , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Plastificantes/análisis , Saliva/química

RESUMEN

The presence of diethyl-phthalate (DEP), dibutyl-phthalate (DBP), butylbenzyl-phthalate (BBP), diethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl-phthalate (DINP) was determined in 295 tequila samples. They were grouped by age of maturation (white, aged, extra aged or ultra aged) and year of production (between 2013 and 2018). Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry was used for identification and quantification. The results showed that 65 samples (22% of the total) were phthalate free. DEP (0.13-0.27 mg/kg), BBP (0.05-2.91 mg/kg) and DINP (1.64-3.43 mg/kg) were detected in 11 (3.73%), 37 (12.54%) and 5 (1.69%) samples, respectively. But, these concentrations did not exceed the maximum permitted limits (MPL) of phthalates for alcoholic beverages. DBP (0.01-2.20 mg/kg) and DEHP (0.03-4.64 mg/kg) were detected in 96 (32.54%) and 224 (75.93%) samples, from them only 10 (3.39%) and 15 (5.08%) samples, respectively, exceeded the MPL for alcoholic beverages and they were few tequilas produced in the year 2014 or before. DEHP was the most frequent phthalate found in tequila and observed DEHP concentrations were 2-times higher in ultra aged tequilas compared to those in white tequilas. We concluded that all tequilas produced in 2015 and after, satisfied the international standards for these compounds.

Asunto(s)

Bebidas Alcohólicas/análisis , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Dibutil Ftalato/análisis , Dietilhexil Ftalato/análisis , Análisis de los Alimentos , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas/métodos , México , Factores de Tiempo

RESUMEN

While infants are developing, they are easily affected by toxic chemicals existing in their environments, such as semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs): phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organophosphate esters (OPEs). However, the specific living environment of infants, including increased plastic products and foam floor mats, may increase the presence of these chemicals. In this study, 68 air, dust, and window film samples were collected from homes, with 3- to 6-month-old infant occupants, to analyze phthalates, PAHs, PBDEs, and OPEs. High detection rates and concentrations suggest that these SVOCs are widespread in infant environments and are associated with cooking methods, smoking habits, the period of time after decoration, and room floors. The partitioning behavior of SVOCs indicates that the logarithms of the dust/gas-phase air partition coefficient (logKD) and the window film/gas-phase air partition coefficient (logKF) in homes are not at an equilibrium state when the logarithm of the octanol/air partition coefficient (logKOA) is less than 8 or greater than 11. Considering the 3 exposure routes, ingestion and dermal absorption have become the main routes of infant exposure to phthalates and OPEs, and ingestion and inhalation have become the dominant routes of exposure to PAHs and PBDEs. The total carcinogenic risk of SVOCs, which have carcinogenic toxicities, via ingestion and dermal absorption for infants in homes exceeds the acceptable value, suggesting that the current levels of these SVOCs in homes might pose a risk to infant health.

Asunto(s)

Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Polvo/análisis , Exposición por Inhalación/análisis , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análisis , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles/análisis , China , Éteres Difenilos Halogenados/análisis , Vivienda/normas , Humanos , Lactante , Organofosfatos/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis

RESUMEN

Phthalate derivatives cause a number of risks to human health and the environment. Essential oil and volatile fractions of some vegetables and herbal products were extracted by hydrodistillation and percolation methods to analyze using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for evaluation of phthalate contaminations. The results revealed that four vegetables and all aromatic waters were contaminated by phthalate derivatives including di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (0.1-7.95%). Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a widely used synthetic antioxidant, was also found in the most of the aromatic waters in the range of 3.15-61.3%. In addition, three vegetable samples contained diazinon (0.36-4.61%), an organophosphorus insecticide. Plants and herbal preparations may be contaminated by the absorption of phthalates from contaminated water or soil or by the migration of phthalates from inexpensive recycled plastic. Regarding the widespread use and associated health risks of phthalates, effective quality and safety regulations for herbal products should be implemented with respect to their phthalate content.

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Los derivados de ftalato causan una serie de riesgos para la salud humana y el medio ambiente. El aceite esencial y las fracciones volátiles de algunos vegetales y productos a base de hierbas fueron extraídos mediante hidrodestilación y métodos de percolación y luego fueron analizados mediante cromatografía de gases y espectrometría de masas (GC-MS) con el propósito de identificar contaminación con ftalatos. Los resultados revelaron que cuatro productos herbales y todas las aguas aromáticas analizadas estaban contaminadas con derivados de ftalato, incluyendo el ftalato de dibutulo (DBP), ftalato de diisobutilo y ftalato de bis(2-etilhexilo) (DEHP) (0.1-7.95%). El butilhidroxitolueno (BHT), un antioxidante sintético ampliamente utilizado, también se encontró en aguas aromáticas en el rango de 3.15- 61.3%. Además, tres muestras vegetales contenían diazinón (0.36-4.61%), un insecticida organofosforado. Las plantas y las preparaciones herbales pueden ser contaminadas a partir de absorción de ftalatos del agua o el suelo contaminados o por la migración de ftalatos desde plástico reciclado de bajo costo. Con respecto al uso generalizado y los riesgos asociados a la salud de los ftalatos, deben implementarse normas efectivas de calidad y seguridad para los productos a base de hierbas con respecto a su contenido de ftalato.

Asunto(s)

Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Aceites Volátiles/química , Preparaciones de Plantas/química , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas

RESUMEN

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from the environment are associated with reproductive abnormalities (i.e. decreased sperm concentration; increased endometriosis) and alterations of the cardiovascular system (i.e. increased blood pressure and risk of coronary disease). Some phthalates esters have been identified as EDCs, for which inhalation is considered as one of the routes of exposure. However, only little is known regarding inhalational exposure to EDCs via urban airborne particles. In the present study, we report the monthly concentration of 8 phthalate esters measured in PM10 and PM2.5 collected and recovered during 7 months in a highly populated area of Mexico City. Using the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 reported by the automatized network of environmental monitoring of Mexico City for the sampling site, we estimated exposure levels for people of different ages and gender. Two endocrine disrupting compounds, the phthalate esters DEHP and DnBP, were found on the particles in higher concentrations during the warmer months of the year. The highest concentration was reported for DEHP (229.7µg/g of particles) in PM2.5 collected in May 2013. After calculations of the DEHP concentration in the atmosphere, and using the respiratory flow rate, we determined males were potentially exposed to larger quantities of DEHP, reaching up to 18ng/8h in April 2013. Despite the concentrations of phthalates seem to be rather small, a comprehensive characterization of its presence is necessary in order to evaluate the overall exposure to these compounds, providing a clear view of exposure on children, adolescents and pregnant women.

Asunto(s)

Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Dietilhexil Ftalato , Exposición por Inhalación , Pulmón , Ácidos Ftálicos , Adolescente , Niño , Ciudades , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Ésteres , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , México , Material Particulado , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Embarazo

RESUMEN

Exposure to the anthropogenic chemicals known as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) may result in negative biological effects. Low levels of EDCs in the environment aggravate the problem as exposure is constant. Urban areas concentrate pollution as greater volumes are released from human activities. Water for public supply is particularly vulnerable as the sewage treatment facilities may not eliminate EDCs. The goal was to assess estrogenicity and effectiveness of removal of phthalates in primary and tertiary wastewater treatment facilities in urban cities in the tropical island of Puerto Rico. A yeast bioassay used to measure estrogenicity showed higher removal with tertiary treatment. However, results in the picomolar range suggest low doses of estrogenic compounds were being released to receiving waters. For the phthalates, solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses revealed removals ranging from 42.9% to 92.4% with tertiary treatment. More than 90% removal was achieved for benzylbutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate and bis-2-ethylhexyl phthalate. However, concentrations ranging from 0.86 to 1.29 ppm for the phthalates in the outflow were detected even at the tertiary waste water treatment plant effluent implying failure of EDC removal. These results can assist managers in evaluating pollution control technologies to ameliorate the impacts of EDCs in the tropics.

Asunto(s)

Disruptores Endocrinos/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos , Aguas Residuales/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Ciudades , Puerto Rico , Clima Tropical

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between in utero and concurrent child urinary exposures to bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates with BMI z-score, waist circumference, and sum of triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness in Mexican children. METHODS: Among participants (N=249) from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to ENvironmental Toxicants study, we evaluated associations between maternal third trimester and concurrent urinary BPA and individual and summed phthalates metabolites (∑Di(2-ethylhexyl phthalate), ∑high molecular weight, ∑low molecular weight) with measures of weight status and adiposity in children aged 8-14 years. Linear regressions with specific-gravity corrected and natural log-transformed urinary concentrations were estimated, adjusting for covariates. Effect modification by sex was explored. RESULTS: Prenatal urinary exposure to monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) was inversely associated with child's BMI z-score (ß=-0.21, 95%CI: -0.41, -0.02) and child urinary exposure to mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) was inversely associated with waist circumference (ß=-1.85, 95%CI: -3.36, -0.35) and sum of skinfold thicknesses (ß=-2.08, 95%CI: -3.80, -0.37) after adjusting for confounders. In the childhood exposure period, sex modified the relationships with BPA, MEHP, MBzP, monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP). In girls, increased BPA exposure was positively associated with sum of skinfold thickness (ß=3.47, 95%CI: 0.05, 6.40) while increased MEHP was inversely associated with sum of skinfold thicknesses in boys (ß=-2.95, 95%CI: -5.08, -0.82); these results remained in sensitivity analyses after excluding children who had initiated pubertal development (Tanner stage >1 for pubic hair). We did not observe relationships between summed phthalates metabolites at any exposure period with outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Our results identified associations between urinary BPA and phthalates metabolites with measures of weight status and adiposity that differed by timing of exposure, sex, and pubertal status. Additional studies are needed to explore how associations may differ between those who are pre- and post-pubertal.

Asunto(s)

Adiposidad/efectos de los fármacos , Compuestos de Bencidrilo/toxicidad , Índice de Masa Corporal , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Fenoles/toxicidad , Ácidos Ftálicos/toxicidad , Grosor de los Pliegues Cutáneos , Adolescente , Compuestos de Bencidrilo/análisis , Compuestos de Bencidrilo/metabolismo , Niño , Estudios Transversales , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Contaminantes Ambientales/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Modelos Lineales , Masculino , Exposición Materna , México , Fenoles/análisis , Fenoles/metabolismo , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/metabolismo , Estudios Prospectivos , Circunferencia de la Cintura/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

An on-line solid phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography with UV detection (SPE/LC-UV) method was automated by the multisyringe flow-injection analysis (MSFIA) system for the determination of three phthalic acid esters (PAEs). The PAEs determined in drinking water stored in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles of ten commercial brands were dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). C18-bonded silica membrane was used for isolation and enrichment of the PAEs in water samples. The calibration range of the SPE/LC-UV method was 2.5-100µgL-1 for DMP and DEP and 10-100µgL-1 for DBP with correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.9970 to 0.9975. Limits of detection (LODs) were between 0.7 and 2.4µgL-1. Inter-day reproducibility performed at two concentration levels (10 and 100µgL-1) expressed as relative standard deviation (%RSD) were found in the range of 0.9-4.0%. The solvent volume was reduced to 18mL with a total analysis time of 48min per sample. The major species detected in bottled water samples was DBP reaching concentrations between 20.5 and 82.8µgL-1. The recovery percentages for the three analytes in drinking water were 80-115%. The migration test showed a great variation in the sum of migrated PAEs level (10.2-50.6µgL-1) among the PET bottle brands analyzed indicating that the presence of these contaminants in the plastic containers may depend on raw materials and the conditions used during their production process.

Asunto(s)

Cromatografía Liquida/instrumentación , Cromatografía Liquida/métodos , Agua Potable/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/aislamiento & purificación , Plásticos/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Humanos , Extracción en Fase Sólida , Rayos Ultravioleta , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/aislamiento & purificación

RESUMEN

Phthalates are ubiquitous contaminants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can become trapped in the cuticles of insects, including ants which were recognized as good bioindicators for such pollution. Because phthalates have been noted in developed countries and because they also have been found in the Arctic, a region isolated from direct anthropogenic influence, we hypothesized that they are widespread. So, we looked for their presence on the cuticle of ants gathered from isolated areas of the Amazonian rainforest and along an anthropogenic gradient of pollution (rainforest vs. road sides vs. cities in French Guiana). Phthalate pollution (mainly di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) was higher on ants gathered in cities and along road sides than on those collected in the pristine rainforest, indicating that it follows a human-mediated gradient of disturbance related to the use of plastics and many other products that contain phthalates in urban zones. Their presence varied with the ant species; the cuticle of Solenopsis saevissima traps higher amount of phthalates than that of compared species. However, the presence of phthalates in isolated areas of pristine rainforests suggests that they are associated both with atmospheric particles and in gaseous form and are transported over long distances by wind, resulting in a worldwide diffusion. These findings suggest that there is no such thing as a "pristine" zone.

Asunto(s)

Monitoreo del Ambiente , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Contaminación Ambiental/estadística & datos numéricos , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Bosque Lluvioso , Animales , Hormigas , Dietilhexil Ftalato/análisis , Disruptores Endocrinos/análisis , Guyana Francesa , Humanos , Plásticos/análisis

RESUMEN

Plasticisers are compounds used in the polymer industry to increase the flexibility of plastics. Some of these compounds cause endocrine dysfunction in humans and animals by interfering with the production, release, transport, metabolism, binding or elimination of natural hormones in the body and are therefore recognised as endocrine disruptors. This paper describes cold-fibre solid-phase microextraction as a sampling technique to analyse eight plasticisers in spices and roasted chicken meat stored in plastic bags by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Limits of detection for this method ranged from 0.01 to 0.18 µg kg(-)(1). Diisobutyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate were found in the samples of spices and roasted chicken meat. The highest concentrations of plasticisers were found in the spices used to cook the chicken meat.

Asunto(s)

Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas/métodos , Carne/análisis , Plastificantes/análisis , Microextracción en Fase Sólida/métodos , Culinaria , Humanos , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis

RESUMEN

The aim of this work is to study the degradation kinetics of the endocrine disruptor benzyl butyl phthalate using ozone and UV radiation. The model comprises four parallel subsystems that are identified and isolated: (1) direct photolysis, (2) direct ozonation in the absence of hydroxyl radicals, (3) complete ozonation (direct + indirect oxidation), and (4) ozone + UV. To determine the nature of ozone attacks and the influence of ·OH radicals on O3 activity, two sets of experiments were performed: (i) conventional ozonation and (ii) the same ozonation experiments in the presence of tert-butanol as radical scavenger, where only the reactions involving molecular ozone are present. The explored variables were (i) ozone concentration, (ii) incident radiation rate at the reactor windows, (iii) reaction pH, and (iv) the presence of radical scavengers. Major intermediates of BBP degradation were identified. Degradation kinetics was correctly modeled by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model based on the sum of all the effects occurring during the treatment. The corresponding kinetic constants were obtained, and the relative contributions of each of the considered subsystems were evaluated.

Asunto(s)

Ozono/química , Ácidos Ftálicos/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/química , Cinética , Fotólisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Rayos Ultravioleta , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Purificación del Agua

RESUMEN

The electrooxidation of the dimethyl phthalate (DMP) ester was galvanostatically carried out in a filter-press reactor using a fluoride-doped lead dioxide (ß-PbO2,F) film electrodeposited on a Ti substrate. The variables investigated were the nature of the supporting electrolyte (NaCl and Na2SO4), pH (3, 7, and 10), current density (10, 20, 40, 60, and 80mAcm(-2)), and temperature (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50°C). The removal of DMP was monitored through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis. The best conditions were obtained using Na2SO4 and at low current densities, independent of the solution pH or temperature. These conditions led to the highest levels of current efficiencies and complete combustion. However, the TOC removal levels were low, due to the generation of highly oxidized intermediates, which was confirmed by the intermediates detected by HPLC.

Asunto(s)

Técnicas Electroquímicas , Ésteres/metabolismo , Fluoruros/química , Plomo/química , Óxidos/química , Ácidos Ftálicos/química , Titanio/química , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Electrodos , Electrólitos/química , Ésteres/química , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Radical Hidroxilo/química , Oxidación-Reducción , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Sulfatos/química , Temperatura

RESUMEN

ESI sources continuously consume the liquid at the tip of the capillary, which causes the dragging of the BGE. The laminar nature of this flow causes the broadening of the peaks and loss of separation efficiency. The usual solution for this problem is to compensate this phenomenon by reducing the pressure at the inlet vial by either leveling of this vial or pumping off the air that is over it. However, one must know the pressure to be applied in order to prevent under- or over-compensation. The procedure herein introduced allows the easy calculation of this pressure by obtaining two electropherograms at two different values of separation voltage. The migration times of the peaks allow the calculation of the apparent mobilities even in the presence of the laminar flow. Therefore, one can calculate the contributions from both electrophoresis and hydrodynamic flow, and finally the pressure associated with the undesirable flow. This pressure is then applied as a negative pressure at the inlet vial in the following experiments. Increase of up to 192% in the number of plates was obtained in a simple experiment. In addition, the bubble forming caused by the ESI suction during injection was prevented by turning off the nebulizer gas during the changes of inlet vials.

Asunto(s)

Electroforesis Capilar/métodos , Espectrometría de Masa por Ionización de Electrospray/métodos , Algoritmos , Cafeína/análisis , Hipolipemiantes/análisis , Niacina/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Presión

RESUMEN

Phthalates used as plasticizers in the manufacture of household containers can potentially be transferred to foods that are stored or heated in these plastic containers. Phthalates are endocrine disruptor compounds (EDC) and are found in very low concentrations in foods, thus, highly sensitive analytical techniques are required for their quantification. This study describes the application of a new method developed for analyzing the migration of dibutylphthalate (DBP) and benzylbutylphthalate (BBP) from plastic food containers into liquid food simulants. This new method employs the technique of solid phase microextraction cooled with liquid nitrogen. The analysis was conducted by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using a polyacrylate fiber. Ultrapure water was used as a simulant for liquids foods, and both new and used plastic containers were placed in a domestic microwave oven for different periods of time at different power levels. The limits of detection for DBP and BBP were 0.08 µg/L and 0.31 µg/L, respectively. BBP was not found in the samples that were analyzed. DBP was found in concentrations ranging from

Asunto(s)

Dibutil Ftalato/análisis , Análisis de los Alimentos/métodos , Microondas , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Plásticos/efectos de la radiación , Disruptores Endocrinos/análisis