Spatial distribution and health risk assessment of six phthalate esters in surface soils with different land uses in Hamedan city
Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran
Abstract
Phthalates (PAEs) are synthetic compounds and polymer plasticizers that are known as environmental pollutants. Due to their widespread use in industries and consumer products, these compounds are released into the environment and have potential effects on human health and ecosystems. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of six phthalate compounds including di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate (DEHP, DBP, DINP DIDP, DMP and DEP) in surface soils with agricultural, industrial and residential uses in Hamadan city and to assess the health risk arising from them. In this study, 100 soil samples were collected and analyzed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) device. Interpolation maps were drawn using GIS software to determine the spatial distribution of the compounds. The results showed that the average DEHP and DBP compounds, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and dibutyl phthalate, had the highest values of 274.86 and 106.16 (µg/kg), respectively, in all soil samples. The highest average of these two compounds was recorded in agricultural land. Based on statistical tests, there was no significant correlation between the concentration of PAEs and soil parameters, but there was a significant relationship between six phthalate esters(∑6PAEs), indicating a common release source. Health risk assessment showed that children are at greater risk than adults, however, non-carcinogenic risks in both groups were in the low risk range (HI<1) and carcinogenic risk was in the acceptable range due to DEHP less than 6-10. The results of spatial interpolation indicate higher density and concentration of p hthalates in agricultural areas of the northeast, southeast and southwest regions and in industrial areas of the south, southeast and east of Hamadan city. . Application of the results of this study can be used in soil pollution reduction planning, development of control policies and improvement of environmental health in Hamadan city.
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