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

Abstract

As a plasticizer and softener, phthalate esters (PAEs) are widely applied to the plastic products. PAEs are semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and physically mixed with plastics consequently, they can easily leach into the surrounding environment during their use or after disposal. PAEs, have become a serious issue arousing much attention for their ubiquitous presence and hazardous impact on environment and human health. 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. 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 - 15434 ng/g d.w. for the fresh plastics. DEHP and DBP were the most abundant components, Accog environment during their use or after disposal. PAEs, have become a serious issue arousing much attention for their ubiquitous presence and hazardous impact on environment and human health. 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. 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 - 15434 ng/g d.w. for the fresh plastics. DEHP and DBP were the most abundant components, Acco