Uptake of di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate from plastic mulch film by vegetable plants

Abstract

The uptake of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) from plastic mulch film used in field cultivation by 10 vegetable plants was investigated by experiments carried out in pots. The results showed that DEHP was transferred from the mulch film to all vegetable plants. Wax gourd (Benincasa hispida) showed the greatest capacity for uptake of DEHP, while cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) could also accumulate high levels. This implies that wax gourd, cucumber and pumpkin may be sources of DEHP contamination in the human diet. Moreover, Chinese cabbage (Brassica parachinensis) also accumulated a high level of DEHP from mulch plastic film giving dietary exposure close to the daily intake limit for DEHP.

Keywords:

• risk assessment
• phthalates
• plastic mulch
• vegetables

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a fund (R507719) from Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, China and a fund (20060353004) from Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education, China.