Removal of the endocrine disrupter butyl benzyl phthalate from the environment

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2010 Jun;87(1):61-73. doi: 10.1007/s00253-010-2570-y. Epub 2010 Apr 16.

Abstract

Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), an aryl alkyl ester of 1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid, is extensively used in vinyl tiles and as a plasticizer in PVC in many commonly used products. BBP, which readily leaches from these products, is one of the most important environmental contaminants, and the increased awareness of its adverse effects on human health has led to a dramatic increase in research aimed at removing BBP from the environment via bioremediation. This review highlights recent progress in the degradation of BBP by pure and mixed bacterial cultures, fungi, and in sludge, sediment, and wastewater. Sonochemical degradation, a unique abiotic remediation technique, and photocatalytic degradation are also discussed. The degradation pathways for BBP are described, and future research directions are considered.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Endocrine System / drug effects*
  • Environmental Pollutants / chemistry
  • Environmental Pollutants / metabolism*
  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation*
  • Fungi / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Phthalic Acids / chemistry
  • Phthalic Acids / metabolism*
  • Phthalic Acids / toxicity

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Phthalic Acids
  • butylbenzyl phthalate