Contamination of Phthalic Acid Esters in China’s Agricultural Soils: Sources, Risk, and Control Strategies

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs), as an emergent pollutant in China’s agricultural environment, have raised significant environmental and health concerns due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential risks. This review explores the sources, distribution, ecological impacts, and human health risks associated with PAEs in agricultural soils and crop systems across China. PAEs primarily originate from agricultural plastic materials, wastewater irrigation, and agrochemical additives, leading to widespread contamination. Concentrations of PAEs vary significantly by region, with hotspots identified in areas with intensive agriculture and industrial activities. The transfer of PAEs from soil to crops is a critical pathway for human exposure, particularly through vegetables and grains, posing carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. The review highlights the fate and transformation processes of PAEs, including adsorption, migration, volatilization, and microbial degradation, which influence their environmental behavior and risks. Effective risk control measures, such as microbial remediation and advancements in biodegradation technologies, offer sustainable solutions to mitigate PAE contamination. This study emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive monitoring systems, stringent regulatory frameworks, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices to effectively reduce PAE concentrations in soils, thereby safeguarding soil health, ensuring food safety, and protecting human health.