Phthalate acid esters in Potamogeton crispus L. from Haihe River, China

This study was conducted in Haihe River, China, in order to assess the ability of Potamogeton crispus L. (P. crispus), a submerged plant, to accumulate phthalic acid esters (PAEs). Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di-2-ethylexyl phthalate (DEHP) were measured in samples of water, sediment and P. crispus plant from March to May 2008. The results showed that the highest levels of DBP and DEHP in above-ground tissues appeared during the blooming period of P. crispus, which was consistent with the results obtained with the water samples. Regression analysis reveals that concentrations of PAEs in above-ground tissues were mainly influenced by PAE concentrations in the water of Haihe River. Enrichment of DBP and DEHP in above-ground tissues was observed, with bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of 4.82–83.65 L kg−1 for DBP and 6.71–93.70 L kg−1 for DEHP. The distribution pattern of DBP in roots, surface and near root sediments was different from that of DEHP. Concentrations of DBP in near root sediments were lower than those in roots and comparable to those in surface sediments, while concentrations of DEHP in roots were lower than those in near root sediments but higher than those in surface sediments.