Abstract

Phthalic acid esters commonly referred to as phthalates and are group of industrial chemicals that have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants because of their widespread usage and high persistence in the environment. Public health concerns of phthalates include carcinogenic, teratogenic, hepatotoxic and endocrine effects. The aim of this study was to analyze dioctyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate from Plantago major leaves and roots by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) obtained from P. major leaves and roots were about 3.26 to 80.55% and 2.52 to 19.69%, respectively. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) obtained from P. major leaves and roots were about 13.57 to 36.50% and 0.08 to 2.13%, respectively. The percent of Dioctyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate in leaf samples higher than that of root sample. P. major leaves and roots may possess a stronger ability to accumulate dioctyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate as a cleanup technology from environmental pollution.

Key words: Plantago major, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), dioctyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate.