Determination of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) along with probabilistic health risk assessment in fruit juice samples in Tehran, Iran

In the present study, magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique were used to measure 6 PAE in fruit juice samples. The mean of total phthalic acid esters (ƩPAEs) in all samples was 3.55 ± 0.66 µg/L. The mean concentration of DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) in samples was 0.82 ± 0.31 µg/L, which was lower than the mentioned United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard level in drinking water (6 μg/L for DEHP). The pineapple juice samples (4.44 ± 0.57 µg/L) and mango juice samples (2.77 ± 0. 1 µg/L) had maximum and minimum mean levels of ƩPAEs, respectively. Also, results showed that brand B (3.76 ± 0.87 µg/L) and samples in the time of expiration date (3.64 ± 0.72 µg/L) had the highest PAE levels. The rank order Chronic Daily Intake (95%) values for adults were DEHP ([Formula: see text]) > butylbenzyl phthalates (BBP) ([Formula: see text]) > diethyl phthalate (DEP) ([Formula: see text]) and for children were DEHP ([Formula: see text]) > BBP (9.07E-04) > DEP ([Formula: see text]), which were below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) value. The noncancer risk of PAEs based on the target hazard quotient (THQ) was acceptable (< 1). The results exhibited that the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) was below the permissible limit (< [Formula: see text]). Therefore, the risk of carcinogenicity and noncarcinogenicity of PAEs in juices does not have adverse effects on human health.

Phthalate Esters in Tap Water, Southern Thailand: Daily Exposure and Cumulative Health Risk in Infants, Lactating Mothers, Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women

Human exposure to phthalate esters (PAEs) via drinking water has generated public health concerns due to their endocrine disruptive abilities. This study reports on the occurrence and fate of six PAEs in raw and tap water samples collected from provincial waterworks located in Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand. In addition, the daily exposure and cumulative health risk of susceptible populations due to drinking tap water were evaluated by using four different reference dose (RfDs) sources. The maximum concentrations of PAEs in raw water were between 1.68 and 4.84 and 0.52 and 1.24 µg/L in tap water. Moreover, the levels of PAEs in the tap water samples indicated the poor PAEs removal efficiency of the conventional treatment process (59.9-69.1%). The contribution of water to the daily intake of PAEs did not exceed 0.37% in all the groups. Furthermore, both the individual and cumulative risk assessment showed negligible noncarcinogenic and antiandrogenic risk for all the groups. Nevertheless, the cumulative risk showed an increasing trend in the order of infants > lactating mothers > pregnant women > nonpregnant women, suggesting that infants are more vulnerable. In additional, the newly proposed RfDAA yielded higher hazard quotient and hazard index estimates, which indicates it is a more sensitive tool than other RfDs for the assessment of the individual and mixture risk of pollutants. The carcinogenic risk of DEHP was acceptable in every group. However, we recommend a future cumulative risk assessment of vulnerable groups considering their simultaneous exposure to all chemicals that have antiandrogenic effects via tap water.

Magnetic Graphene Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction for the Determination of Phthalic Acid Esters in Flavoring Essences by Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

In the present study, a sensitive, efficient and repeatable method for the simultaneous extraction and determination of 13 types of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in flavoring essence samples using magnetic graphene solid-phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was developed. Due to the unique structure of magnetic graphene, it has several advantages, such as large surface area and fast separation ability. This unique structure not only provided strong magnetic responsiveness for the separation but also prevented the self-aggregation of graphene. The large delocalized p-electron system of graphene can form strong π-stacking interactions with the benzene ring. Thus, graphene may be also a good candidate adsorbent for the adsorption of benzenoid-form compounds. Several magnetic soild-phase extraction parameters, such as elution solvents, amounts of sorbents, enrichment time and desorption time were optimized. The optimized procedures for this method were performed by ultrasonication using ethyl acetate as elution solvent for 5 min. Under the optimal conditions, the developed method provided spiked recoveries of 75.0–105.3% with relative standard deviations of ~5.6% and limits of detection were 0.011–0.091 mg/kg. Good linear relationships were observed with the coefficient of determination (R2) &gt; 0.993 for all the analytes. Finally, the validated method was successfully applied to the analysis of PAEs in real samples.

Magnetic solid-phase extraction based on magnetic carbon particles from coffee grounds for determining phthalic acid esters in plastic bottled water

Newly developed magnetic carbon particles prepared from coffee grounds were used as the sorbent for the magnetic solid-phase extraction of eight phthalic acid esters (PAEs) from plastic bottled water prior to their analysis by GC-MS. The method, which uses coffee-ground particles coated with iron oxide, was validated, and exhibited linearities for the eight PAEs, with coefficients of determination above 0.998 in the 0.005 to 0.1 mg/L concentration range. Limits of detection and limits of quantification of 0.00003 to 0.002 mg/L and 0.0001 to 0.005 mg/L, respectively, were achieved, with recoveries (%) ranging between 77% and 120%, and relative standard deviations for intra- and interday precisions below 16.3% at three fortification levels. No PAE residues were detected when the developed and validated method was applied to 10 real plastic bottled water samples. Taken together, the developed magnetic solid-phase extraction method is a useful tool for monitoring phthalate esters in aqueous samples. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The development of a new, inexpensive, and efficient magnetic sorption material derived from spent coffee grounds, and its ability to determine phthalate esters in aqueous solutions was described by GC-MS/MS. The developed magnetic solid-phase extraction method is a useful tool for monitoring phthalate esters in aqueous samples.

C8-modified magnetic graphene oxide based solid-phase extraction coupled with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for detection of trace phthalate acid esters in water samples

Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are extensively applied in plastic and plastic products, and have caused potential hazards on human and animal health. In this study, a highly sensitive method was proposed for trace detection of selected PAEs in water by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, after solid-phase extraction (SPE) using octyl (C8)-modified magnetic graphene oxide (MGO-C8) as the adsorbent followed by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME). The prepared MGO-C8 was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The recoveries of the PAEs using MGO-C8 as the adsorbent were found to be significantly higher those obtained by MGO. The influences of solution pH, adsorption and desorption time, eluent and extractant, and salt addition on the extraction efficiency of PAEs were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, limits of detection (LODs) of 0.5-1.0 ng L^-1 for PAEs, and related standard deviations (RSDs) of 4.8-7.5% were obtained. The proposed method was utilized in the detection of trace PAEs in real environmental water samples, with spiked recoveries of 89.5-112.3%, 91.5-105.0% and 98.0-110.0% for DBP, DEHP and DNOP, respectively.

Effect of sunlight exposure on phthalates migration from plastic containers to packaged juices

BACKGROUND

Acidic juices such as lemon juice, vinegar and Verjuice are popular beverages regularly consumed by both children and adults. Various brands of different acidic juices in Iran markets are packaged in disposable plastic bottles. Some evidence suggests that phthalates may immigrate from plastic bottles.

METHODS

In this research the influence of sunlight, type of container and storage time on the leaching of phthalates from packaging materials into selected juices was investigated, by analyzing the samples kept in different conditions, before and throughout 2, 4 and 6 months storage time.

RESULTS

The mean phthalate concentrations of the examined samples were determined to be between <LOD and 0.521 μg/L in verjuice, <LOD and 0.261 μg/L in lemon juice, <LOD and 0.599 μg/L in vinegar. DEP and DEHP showed the highest level of migration into acidic juices packed in plastic bottles.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of analyses before and after storage show that some storage conditions can increase the concentrations of DBP, DEHP and DEP in acidic juices. The results of this study indicate the possible leaching of phthalates from packages made of plastic materials into the contents.

Method development for determination of migrated phthalate acid esters from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging into traditional Iranian drinking beverage (Doogh) samples: a novel approach of MSPE-GC/MS technique

In the current study, a novel magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) technique combined with a gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) was developed to determine the phthalate ester content of bottled Doogh samples. Doogh is a yogurt-based drinking beverage, which is frequently consumed in Middle East and Balkans. It is produced by stirring yogurt in Chern separation machine and consists of substances such as water, yogurt, and salt in addition to aqueous extracts of native herbs. The magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-Fe₃O₄) were used as adsorbents of phthalate acid esters (PAEs) due to a superior adsorption capability of hydrophobic compounds. In this context, the quantity of the extractable migrated phthalate esters (dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-N-octyl phthalate (DNOP), and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into Doogh samples was measured. The correlation between the concentration of migrated PAEs and some factors such as the type of Doogh (gaseous and without gas), difference in brand (five brands), volume (1500 and 300 mL), and the storage time also was investigated. The migration level into Doogh samples was increased by incorporating of gas as well as increasing the volume of PET bottles. Also, with elaborating of storage time, the migration of some phthalates such as DEHP (the mean from 2419.85 ng L^-1 in the first week to 2716.15 ng L^-1 in the second month), DEP, and total phthalate was increased. However, no significant difference in concentrations of migrated phthalate esters among different examined brands was noted. Finally, the concentration of migrated PAEs from bottle into all the examined Doogh samples was below the defined standards by EPA; 6 μg/L for DEHP in drinking water. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

The Effect of Storage Time, Temperature and Type of Packaging on the Release of Phthalate Esters into Packed Acidic Liquids

Acidic liquids such as verjuice, lemon juice and vinegar are frequently consumed in Iran. Different kinds of acidic liquids are packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles. There is evidence indicating that phthalates can leach from PET and HDPE bottles into their contents. In this work the effect of storage time, temperature and bottle type on the migration of phthalates from packaging materials into acidic liquids is studied by analyzing the samples stored under different conditions, before storage and after 2, 4 and 6 months of storage. The determined mean phthalate concentrations in µg/L were: <0.04 to 0.501 in verjuice, <0.04 to 0.231 in lemon juice and <0.04 to 0.586 in vinegar. The highest concentrations of diethyl phthalate (DEP) and diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) were found in PET and HDPE bottles, respectively. Results of analyses before and after storage indicate that under some storage conditions, the concentrations of DEP, DEHP and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) increased in acidic liquids. The possible migration of phthalic acid esters from plastic packaging materials into the contents was indicated by the results of the present study.

Endocrine disruptor phthalates in bottled water: daily exposure and health risk assessment in pregnant and lactating women

Over the last decade, the consumption of water bottled in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has considerably increased, raising concerns over water quality and packaged materials. This study aims to investigate the levels of the anti-androgenic phthalates including bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), in bottled water and its corresponding health risks in pregnant and lactating women. The phthalate levels were measured in six different brands of bottled water exposed to temperatures ranging between -18 and 40 °C and sunlight for 45 days. The phthalate was quantified using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, the non-carcinogenic effects were assessed using hazard quotient (HQ) approach, and cumulative health risk assessment was performed on the basis of hazard index (HI) calculation. In order to assess the carcinogenic risk due to the possible carcinogen DEHP (group 2B), the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was used. DEHP and DBP contaminants were detected at different storage conditions in all of the bottled water samples during the storage time. BBP was only detected at high temperature (≥25 °C) and outdoor conditions. The maximum concentrations of all phthalates were observed when water samples were kept at 40 °C. In contrast, storage at freezing conditions had no significant effect on the concentration level of all phthalates. The estimated intake by women was between 0.0021 μg/kg/day for BBP and 0.07 μg/kg/day for DEHP. The highest HQ for phthalate intake via bottled water consumption was much lower than 1 (HQ < 0.004), which implies that adverse effects are very unlikely to occur. The execution of a cumulative risk assessment for combined phthalate exposure demonstrated that the HIs for anti-androgenic effect were lower than 1 in all of the conditions. Furthermore, ELCR for DEHP based on the highest detected level was found to be less than 10(-6), which is considered acceptable. Our results prove that the levels of phthalates in bottled water are not a health concern for pregnant and lactating women. Consequently, PET-bottled water is not a major contributor to phthalate intake for most individuals.

A margin of exposure approach to assessment of non-cancerous risk of diethyl phthalate based on human exposure from bottled water consumption

Phthalates may be present in food due to their widespread presence as environmental contaminants or due to migration from food contact materials. Exposure to phthalates is considered to be potentially harmful to human health as well. Therefore, determining the main source of exposure is an important issue. So, the purpose of this study was (1) to measure the release of diethyl phthalate (DEP) in bottled water consumed in common storage conditions specially low temperature and freezing conditions; (2) to evaluate the intake of DEP from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottled water and health risk assessment; and (3) to assess the contribution of the bottled water to the DEP intake against the tolerable daily intake (TDI) values. DEP migration was investigated in six brands of PET-bottled water under different storage conditions room temperature, refrigerator temperature, freezing conditions (40 °C ,0 °C and -18 °C) and outdoor] at various time intervals by magnetic solid extraction (MSPE) using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Eventually, a health risk assessment was conducted and the margin of exposure (MOE) was calculated. The results indicate that contact time with packaging and storage temperatures caused DEP to be released into water from PET bottles. But, when comprising the DEP concentration with initial level, the results demonstrated that the release of phthalates were not substantial in all storage conditions especially at low temperatures (<25 °C) and freezing conditions. The daily intake of DEP from bottled water was much lower than the reference value. However, the lowest MOE was estimated for high water consumers (preschooler > children > lactating women > teenagers > adults > pregnant women), but in all target groups, the MOE was much higher than 1000, thus, low risk is implied. Consequently, PET-bottled water is not a major source of human exposure to DEP and from this perspective is safe for consumption.