Occurrence, source, ecological risk, and mitigation of phthalates (PAEs) in agricultural soils and the environment: A review

The widespread distribution of phthalates (PAEs) in agricultural soils is increasing drastically; however, the environmental occurrence and potential risk of PAEs in agricultural systems remain largely unreviewed. In this study, the occurrence, sources, ecotoxicity, exposure risks, and control measures of PAEs contaminants in agricultural soils are summarized, and it is concluded that PAEs have been widely detected and persist in the soil at concentrations ranging from a few μg/kg to tens of mg/kg, with spatial and vertical variations in China. Agrochemicals and atmospheric deposition have largely contributed to the elevated contamination status of PAEs in soils. In addition, PAEs cause multi-level hazards to soil organisms (survival, oxidative damage, genetic and molecular levels, etc.) and further disrupt the normal ecological functions of soil. The health hazards of PAEs to humans are mainly generated through dietary and non-dietary pathways, and children may be at a higher risk of exposure than adults. Improving the soil microenvironment and promoting biochemical reactions and metabolic processes of PAEs are the main mechanisms for mitigating contamination. Based on these reviews, this study provides a valuable framework for determining future study objectives to reveal environmental risks and reduce the resistance control of PAEs in agricultural soils.