Occurrence, migration kinetics, and health risks of alkylphenols in colored and colorless bottled water

The global rise in bottled water consumption raises concerns about potential health risks associated with chemical migration from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging. Alkylphenols, such as 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), are used as stabilizers in PET and are known endocrine disruptors. Their migration into bottled water may pose health risks. This study aimed to detect and quantify alkylphenols in colored and colorless PET bottled water, investigate their migration kinetics during shelf-life storage, and assess potential non-carcinogenic and estrogenic risks. A total of 30 bottled water samples, equally divided between colored and colorless PET bottles, were analyzed. Detection and quantification of 4-NP and 4-t-OP were performed using gas chromatography (GC) with a mass spectrometry (MS) detector. Results showed the presence of 4-NP and 4-t-OP in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 182 to 933 ng/L and 1.5–19 ng/L, respectively. Kinetic analysis revealed that alkylphenol migration followed a first-order model, with significantly higher concentrations and migration rates observed in colored PET bottles. Despite no significant non-carcinogenic or estrogenic risks from bottled water consumption, these findings emphasize the need for concern regarding colored PET bottles as a potentially higher source of exposure to alkylphenols. Given the widespread use of similar plastics in food and beverage packaging, cumulative exposure remains a critical issue. Continued monitoring and regulatory efforts are essential to minimize human exposure to these contaminants.