Di 2-ethylhexylphtalate in the aquatic and terrestrial environment: A critical review

• DEHP is the most commonly used plasticizer in plastic industries.
• DEHP has been detected in different environmental compartments.
• DEHP is classified as an emergent endocrine disruptor and an epigenetic toxicant.
• Most of the wastewater treatment plants are not capable of effectively removing DEHP.
• Advanced oxidation processes are alternative methods to remove DEHP.

Phthalates are being increasingly used as softeners-plasticizers to improve the plasticity and the flexibility of materials. Amongst the different plasticizers used, more attention is paid to di (2-ethylhexylphtalate) (DEHP), one of the most representative compounds as it exhibits predominant effects on environment and human health. Meanwhile, several questions related to its sources; toxicity, distribution and fate still remain unanswered. Most of the evidence until date suggests that DEHP is an omnipresent compound found in different ecological compartments and its higher hydrophobicity and low volatility have resulted in significant adsorption to solids matrix. In fact, there are important issues to be addressed with regard to the toxicity of this compound in both animals and humans, its behavior in different ecological systems, and the transformation products generated during different biological or advanced chemical treatments. This article presents detailed review of existing treatment schemes, research gaps and future trends related to DEHP.