Abstract

Determination of phthalates in plastic bottled water

Author(s): Oyo-ita Emmanuella*, Wu Ya,

1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid esters are commonly used for the production of plastics. Research shows that phthalates are usually associated with endocrine disruption and developmental alteration. This research identified different kinds of phthalates from different heating conditions and storage time. However, many studies have investigated the migration of phthalates into bottled water via sunlight, microwave and storage time but no substantial research on the introduction of heat to the bottle at different temperatures for a period of time. Bottled water with storage time of 6 months from different companies were collected from xi’an China and used for the determination of the toxicity, and migration of phthalates (PAEs) at different temperatures 40, 60, 80 and 100 degrees respectively. Liquid-liquid extraction method was used and the extracts analyzed using a gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) for analysis. Result showed that DEHP had the highest concentration from the different heating conditions (5.25 × 10-5 at 60 degrees, 2.373 × 10-4 at 80 degrees, and 2.373 × 10-3 at 100 degrees). Heat and longer time of storage of plastic bottled water increases the migration rate of PAEs into the water, therefore consumers of plastic bottled water should reduce frequent intake under conditions above 40 degrees to avoid chronic toxicity of phthalate esters.