Distribution of phthalate esters in soil of e-waste recycling sites from Taizhou city in China

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2009 Jun;82(6):665-7. doi: 10.1007/s00128-009-9699-3. Epub 2009 Mar 17.

Abstract

In recent years, increasing concern has surrounded the consequences of improper electric and electronic waste (e-waste) disposal. In this paper, Phthalate esters (PAEs) including dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) in the e-waste soils were collected and analyzed from sites Fengjiang, Nanshan and Meishu in Taizhou city. The result showed that the total PAEs concentrations ranged from 12.566 to 46.669 mg/kg in these three sites. DEHP, DBP and DEP were the major phthalates accounting for more than 94% of total phthalates studied. Comparing to the results from other studies, the e-waste soils from Taizhou city were severely contaminated with PAEs.

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Conservation of Natural Resources*
  • Electrical Equipment and Supplies*
  • Esters / analysis
  • Phthalic Acids / analysis*
  • Plasticizers / analysis*
  • Refuse Disposal*
  • Soil / analysis*

Substances

  • Esters
  • Phthalic Acids
  • Plasticizers
  • Soil