Molecular Disruptive Potential of Phthalate Esters: Threats and Dynamics in Aquatic Ecosystem Resources

M. Ogundiran, Ayandiran Akinpelu, Balogun Adewale, Awogbami Stephen, Awolola Bukola, Adeniran Samson and B. Salam

Phthalate esters are widely used plasticizers that enter aquatic ecosystems through industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste, posing risks to water quality and aquatic organisms. Their persistence and ability to disrupt molecular, endocrine, and physiological processes highlight the need to understand their environmental dynamics and ecological impacts. This review examined the molecular disruptive potential of phthalate esters in aquatic ecosystem resources by elucidating its sources, occurrence, exposure pathways, bioaccumulation, molecular disruptive mechanisms, and ecological impacts of phthalate esters (PAEs) in aquatic ecosystems. Information was synthesized from scientific literature, including journal articles, reports, and databases. Findings revealed that PAEs are ubiquitous contaminants originating from wastewater discharge, landfill leachates, agricultural runoff, and plastic degradation. Their persistence, hydrophobicity, and bioaccumulative properties facilitate uptake by aquatic organisms, causing oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, metabolic disorders, and transgenerational effects. Although biomagnification is generally limited, continuous exposure poses significant ecological risks. Interactions with microplastics and other environmental stressors may further enhance toxicity and ecosystem impacts. The review highlights important knowledge gaps regarding chronic exposure, mixture toxicity, and long-term ecological consequences. Overall, PAEs threaten aquatic biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and potentially human health, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations, improved waste and wastewater management, continuous environmental monitoring, safer alternatives to phthalate-based products, and further research to support effective risk assessment and pollution mitigation.

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