Microorganisms capable of degrading di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) were immobilized by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and used for DBP degradation. The characteristics of DBP degradation by immobilized and free cells were investigated. The experimental results showed that the degradation rate o f immobilized cells was higher than that of free cells. The optimal pH and temperature for DBP degradation were ...

At the beginning of our work on diffusion processes in PVC tubing used in milk collection it was observed that plastic tubes which have been used for extended periods lose their originally smooth inner surface (1). In spite of careful maintenance, fine tears arise, forming a network on the inside which is in contact with milk, water, and cleaning solution (Fig. 1).

Three species of fish, caught at various distances from a kraft pulp ai:d paper mill effluent discharge in Nipigon Bay, were analyzed for organic contaminants. Fishes from all sites contained residues of polychlorinated biphenyls and DDE. Most samples were also contaminated with hexachlorobenzene and several samples contained phthalic acid esters. From sampling sites close to the mill discharge...

Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid, mainly used as plasticizer in polymeric packaging materials. The main objective of this research was to determine the exact roots of the phthalate esters in the Iranian flexible/laminated packaging films commercially used for food products such as ketchup, spaghetti, mayonnaise, black tea and snack foods. This investigation was carried out by analyzing th...

Phthalates are common plasticizers used in pPVC (plasticized polyvinyl chloride) products. Phthalates are commonly found in the child rearing products (for teething, toys etc.), blood bags, dialysis tubing, paints, lacquers, cosmetics, coatings of capsules etc. The present study was conducted to explore the potential of new microbial strains for the biodegradation and biotransformation of phtha...