A Preliminary Study of the Leaching Effect of Phthalate Plasticizers in Sachet (Pure) Water Quality at Ambient Temperature

Abstract

Phthalate plasticizers have been widely used in the manufacture of sachet water in Nigeria. This study aims at analysing the leaching effects at room temperature on phthalate esters and their potentials to migrate from HPDE/PET packages to drinking water over a longer period of time so as to prevent or curb the harmful health conditions it can cause. Eight (8) 500 ml drinking water samples were kept on a table at the advanced research laboratory at the Environmental Management and Toxicology department of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, for a period of eight weeks. The concentrations of phthalates (g/L) found in the brand of drinking water analysed after storage in ambient conditions for eight weeks were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were determined, as well as the accuracy (recovery study), precision (between-run and within-run), and linearity. The results showed that dimethylphthalate (DMP), benzylbutyl (BBP), and Di-n-octyl-phthalate were below the detection limits of the GC/MS utilized for the analysis (0.1 g per liter). The concentration of DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, and DEHP increased significantly over the weeks of storage. Diethylphthalate recorded concentration of 0.53, 0.55, 1.16, and 2.49, in the first, second, fourth and eight weeks, respectively. Bis(2-ethyhexyl) phthalate was found to be the most prevalent Phthalates found in this research.