Phthalic acid esters and polybrominated diphenyl occurrence in a coastal lagoon: Spatial patterns, trends and potential risk
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63697/jeshs.2026.10059Keywords:
Emerging contaminants, Plastic wastes, Coastal waters, Ecotoxicological risk, NigeriaAbstract
Phthalate esters (PAEs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are emerging contaminants whose bioaccumulative potential pose serious risks to ecosystems and human health. This study assessed the concentrations, distribution, and ecological risks of PAE and PBDE congeners in surface water and sediment from four selected catchments along the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria. Extraction of target compounds was performed using liquid–liquid and ultrasonication techniques, followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. All examined PBDE congeners and two of the six targeted PAEs, di-sec-butyl phthalate (DSBP) and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) were detected in all sampling locations and matrices. In contrast, diethyl phthalate (DEP) and phthalic acid decyl hept-2-yl ester (PADHE) was detected in few sites. Mean concentrations of PAEs ranged from 0.39–0.52 mg/L in surface water and 0.33–0.57 mg/kg in sediment, while mean PBDE concentration ranged from 0.047–0.11 mg/L and 0.06–0.21 mg/kg in surface water and sediment, respectively. Benzyl butyl phthalate contributed 73.48% of total PAEs in surface water and 73.07% in sediment, whereas 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-153) accounted for 55.14% of total PBDEs in surface water and 34.75% in sediment. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a dominance of low molecular weight PAEs: dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and high-brominated PBDEs commonly linked to domestic effluents, urban runoff, plastic based materials, and consumer products indicating intense human activities especially at Makoko and Atlas Cove. Risk quotient (RQ) indicates low risk (RQ < 1) from DEP and DMP, whereas levels of BBP suggest the potential for significant ecological risk (RQ > 100), especially on algae in most locations. Detected PBDE concentrations with RQs ≥ 100, likely resulting from the debromination of heavily brominated deca-BDEs, suggest considerable risk to aquatic biota. Notably, the elevated levels of hexa- and hepta-BDE congeners at Makoko and Atlas Cove indicate potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms. These findings highlight the need for stringent regulatory measures and informed management actions, to safeguard Nigeria’s coastal environments and public health.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Amii Isaac Obiakara-Amaechi, Akeem Akindele Abayomi, Lawal Ololade Ipadeola, Labeebah Damilola Dhikrullah, Olugbenga Bolupe Oguntowo, Lucian Obinna Chukwu
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