Integrated toxicity assessment of DEHP and DBP toward aquatic ecosystem based on multiple trophic model assays

To comprehensively understand the toxic risks of phthalates to aquatic ecosystems, we examined the acute toxicity of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-butyl phthalate (DBP) on multiple trophic models, including algae ( Chlorella vulgaris ), Daphnia magna and fish ( Danio rerio , Pseudorasbora parva ). Thus, a 15-day zebrafish exposure was conducted to trace the dynamic changes of phthalate-induced toxic effects. Among the four species, D. magna exhibited the strongest sensitivity to both DEHP and DBP, followed by D. rerio and P. parva. C. vulgaris exhibited the lowest sensitivity to phthalates. The sub-chronic zebrafish assay demonstrated that 1000 μg/L DBP induced significant mortality at 15 days post-exposure (dpe), and DEHP exhibited no lethality at the tested concentrations (10–5000 μg/L). Zebrafish hepatic SOD activity and sod transcription levels were inhibited by DBP from 3 dpe, which was accompanied by increased malondialdehyde level, while zebrafish exposed to DEHP exhibited less oxidative damage. Both DEHP and DBP induced time-dependent alterations on Ache activity in zebrafish brains, thus indicating the potential neurotoxicity toward aquatic organisms. Additionally, 1000 μg/L and higher concentration of DBP caused hepatic DNA damage in zebrafish from 7 dpe. These results provide a better understanding of the health risks of phthalate to water environment.