Spatial-temporal Distribution of Ecological Risk and Control Suggestions of Phthalates in a Lake Receiving Reclaimed Water.

In this study, the J Lake system, which receives recycled water, was selected as the research object. The ecological risk assessment of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in both the water and sediment phases of the lake was conducted based on the multi-media regression model. The results showed that the hazard quotients (HQs) of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) in both water and sediment phases were less than 0.1, indicating a negligible risk to aquatic life in the lake. The ecological risks of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in the lake revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in the water phase the low-risk area of DBP accounted for 42.7%, while the medium-risk and low-risk areas of DEHP accounted for 93.5% and 5.6%, respectively, and in lake sediment phase the medium and low risk areas of DBP accounted for 0.5% and 69.2%, respectively, while the medium and low risk areas of DEHP accounted for 0. 9% and 68. 3%, respectively. Moreover, the ecological risks of DEP, DBP, and DEHP in the water phase varied greatly in different seasons, and the ecological risks of PAEs in sediment phase are similar to those in water. It is suggested that reducing the concentrations of DBP and DEHP in reclaimed water and controlling the production and use of DEHP at source can effectively reduce the risk level of DBP and DEHP in the receiving J Lake system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]