Quantification, Distribution, Effects of Di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Contamination: Risk Analysis and Mitigation Strategies in Urban Environment.

Phthalate acid ester, di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is ubiquitously detected contaminant of emerging concerns (CECs) in all the environmental samples. The present study attempted to understand the fate and transport of DEHP in urban areas by evaluating the quantities, distribution, risk, and effects in the Mysuru city, India. The study is anticipated to serve as a vital document for local and national regulators to frame a robust DEHP management plan and mitigate the risks associated. Liquid-liquid microextraction followed by gas chromatographic analysis was adopted to determine the concentrations of DEHP. The risk quotient method was adopted to assess potential risk and, a conceptual planning model framework was designed to mitigate the DEHP contamination. The municipal wastewater contained 115 ± 9.2 μg/L whereas, treated municipal wastewater showed 95 ± 7.6 μg/L DEHP that was attributed to the inefficiency of the treatment plant. Further, sediments in surface water, as well as ground water samples of the study area, showed 8 ± 0.64 to 12 ± 0.96 μg/L and 32 ± 2.56 to 40 ± 3.2 μg/kg of DEHP respectively. The risk quotient of 19.17 for samples in around treatment indicated highest risk whereas, groundwater samples had a risk quotient of 1-2 indicating relative risk to aquatic organisms. In addition, the study highlighted the source, possible entry pathways, and management strategies including treatment aspects to draw an understanding of the distribution and potential ecological imbalances with contamination of DEHP in the urban sector.