Interplay between algae and phthalates in the aquatic environment: review and perspectives

In the aquatic environment, algae are crucial for maintaining life as they produce oxygen and organic matter, while phthalates (phthalic acid esters, PAEs), are officially treated as water contaminants due to their ability to disrupt the human endocrine system. This review paper shows that the interactions between algae and PAEs are multidirectional. The last few decades of research have indicated that algae are susceptible to the toxic effects of PAEs, they degrade PAEs but can even produce them. Literature data indicate that PAEs can disturb the natural functioning of water ecosystems by causing changes in algal density, cellular components and physiology. On the other hand, some algae can remove PAEs, mainly in the process of biodegradation. It has been proved that PAEs in algal organisms are not only of external but also natural origin, playing a role as allelochemicals as well as presenting bioactive properties that can be used in medicine, pharmacy and cosmetology. Future research should focus on understanding the response of entire communities to the action of PAEs, the composition and concentration of which corresponds to natural conditions, and on finding species of algae that are both resistant to PAEs and able to maintain the concentration of these compounds in water at a reasonable level. We cannot treat PAEs only as water pollutants, but we should try to use them more for human health as our allies.