Di-n-hexyl Phthalate (DHP), a Newly Identified Contaminant in Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus harengus) and Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

We describe the isolation and identification of di-n-hexyl phthalate, a new marine pollutant found in Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) and Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). This compound was isolated from extracted lipids by a combination of gel permeation, high performance liquid and column chromatography, and selective precipitation of impurities. Conclusive proof of its structure was obtained from gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The concentrations of di-n-hexyl phthalate (17–27 μg/g wet weight), which is not a major industrial phthalic acid ester, far exceeded those of dibutyl and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalates, the major industrial phthalic acid esters. Thus the possibility of selective bioaccumulation of DHP in herring and mackerel was indicated. This finding is important in view of the paucity of toxicological information concerning this compound.Key words: phthalic acid ester, di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHP), analysis, macker...