Pollution Status, Ecological Effects, and Bioremediation Strategies of Phthalic Acid Esters in Agricultural Ecosystems: A Review

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are common organic contaminants in farmland soil throughout agricultural systems, posing significant threats to human health and thus closely associated with food safety concerns. Here, we consolidate the latest findings regarding the distribution, ecological effects, bioremediation methods, and microbial degradation pathways of PAEs in agricultural ecosystems. Generally, di­(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), and di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP) exhibit the highest detection frequencies and concentrations in soil, air and agricultural products. The presence of these PAEs in agricultural ecosystems can significantly affect soil and plant-associated microbial communities, leading to decreased yield and quality of agricultural products. Bioremediation techniques, such as microbial degradation and phytoremediation, are frequently explored to address these issues. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of current research on PAEs in China’s agricultural systems and offers insights into potential problems and future research directions.