Environmental impact of phthalic acid esters and their removal from water and sediments by different technologies – A review

This article describes the most recent methods developed to remove phthalic acid esters (PAEs) from water, wastewater, sludge, and soil. In general, PAEs are considered to be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), whose effects may not appear until long after exposure. There are numerous methods for removing PAEs from the environment, including physical, chemical and biological treatments, advanced oxidation processes and combinations of these techniques. This review largely focuses on the treatment of PAEs in aqueous solutions but also reports on their treatment in soil and sludge, as well as their effects on human health and the environment.

► The properties of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) were described.
► The persistence of PAEs in the environment was evaluated.
► The most recent methods to remove PAEs from water and sediments were analyzed.
► The selection of the appropriate removal treatment depends on the type of PAEs.