Quantitative analysis of Phthalate esters in plastic marine debris and fresh plastics using HPLC-TOF/MS

Abstract

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are widely applied to various plastic products as plasticizer and softner. PAEs are not chemically bound to the polymeric matrix but physically mixed consequently, they can leach, migrate or evaporate into the surrounding environment during their use or after disposal. PAEs have become an environmental concern due to their ubiquitous presence and their potential toxicity. Plastic debris has become a growing problem in the marine environment. One of key issues is whether plastic marine debris and its small fragments are a source or vector of hazardous chemicals to marine environment and marine organisms. However, there is limited information available on plastic associated chemicals, particularly additive chemicals. Base on previous non-target screening analysis of marine plastic debris, three phthalate esters [di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisobutyl phthalate (DBP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) were selected as target analytes in this study. We optimized analytical methods of PAEs in polymeric matrixes and quantitatively measured PAEs in plastic marine debris (n=32) and fresh plastics (n=31) using LC-TOF/MS. Plastic items commonly found on beaches and at sea as marine debris were considered as target samples. PAEs were detected in most of plastic samples analyzed with the concentration range of 0.12 - 70734 ng/g dry weight (d.w.) for plastic marine debris and 0.03urrounding environment during their use or after disposal. PAEs have become an environmental concern due to their ubiquitous presence and their potential toxicity. Plastic debris has become a growing problem in the marine environment. One of key issues is whether plastic marine debris and its small fragments are a source or vector of hazardous chemicals to marine environment and marine organisms. However, there is limited information available on plastic associated chemicals, particularly additive chemicals. Base on previous non-target screening analysis of marine plastic debris, three phthalate esters [di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisobutyl phthalate (DBP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) were selected as target analytes in this study. We optimized analytical methods of PAEs in polymeric matrixes and quantitatively measured PAEs in plastic marine debris (n=32) and fresh plastics (n=31) using LC-TOF/MS. Plastic items commonly found on beaches and at sea as marine debris were considered as target samples. PAEs were detected in most of plastic samples analyzed with the concentration range of 0.12 - 70734 ng/g dry weight (d.w.) for plastic marine debris and 0.03