Sustainable Approaches for Managing Phthalate Pollution: Navigating Challenges, and Establishing the Future of Environmental Protection

Abstract

Phthalates have become a widespread environmental pollutant that has severe implications for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They are found in various sources, including industrial processes, consumer products, and food packaging, resulting in significant environmental contamination. Their persistence and ability to bioaccumulate present significant risks, especially impacting reproductive, developmental, and endocrine systems in humans. This review explores how phthalates function as mixed micropollutants, adding complexity to their evaluation and control in environmental systems. It also focuses on remediation strategies using novel biotechnological approaches, such as enzymatic degradation, genetic engineering, microbial remediation, and nanotechnology-based approaches. Enzymatic degradation utilizes specific enzymes for the breakdown of phthalates, thereby, transforming them into less toxic metabolites. Novel genetic engineering techniques have opened possibilities for improving the breakdown of phthalates by microorganisms, offering potential solutions for more efficient remediation. Nanotechnology-based approaches showcase the effectiveness of nanomaterials in absorbing and breaking down phthalates on a molecular scale. This review also highlights the importance of microbial consortia and biochar-microbial composites for environmental restoration. The unique contribution of this review lies in its comprehensive analysis of advanced biotechnological strategies for phthalate remediation, emphasizing the synergistic potential of novel techniques to protect and safeguard the environment for future generations.