Source identification and spatial distribution of phthalate acid esters in fish and sediments along the Persian Gulf coast

A quantification of phthalate acid esters (PAEs) concentrations was performed on sediment and fish samples collected from industrial, urban, and rural regions along the Persian Gulf coastline from November 2020 to March 2021. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of ƩPAEs in sediment samples from urban, industrial, and rural regions were 1486, 855, and 257 ng/g, respectively. In fish samples, the corresponding values were 392, 284, and 62.4 ng/g. The mean concentrations of ƩPAEs in sediment/fish samples from urban and industrial areas were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in rural areas. DEHP had the highest level and detection frequency (DF = 100 %) of the PAEs congeners studied. The DEHP concentrations in sediment samples from the Urban, Industrial, and Rural regions were 283 ± 37.5, 219 ± 15.7, and 44.9 ± 19.5 ng/g, respectively, while in fish samples, they were 904 ± 272, 564 ± 60.5, and 146 ± 43.5 ng/g, respectively. The results of the ecotoxicological effects assessment also revealed that the Persian Gulf coasts are significantly contaminated with PAEs, which may have substantial effects on the aquatic ecosystem of the region (including the composition of aquaculture communities, enzymatic processes, and marine culture microorganisms). As a result, there is an urgent need for decision-makers and policymakers to enact laws that prohibit the discharge of PAEs-containing waste into the Persian Gulf coasts to protect the marine ecosystem.