Presence of Phthalate Esters Used as Common Plasticisers in Maltese Shoreline Sand

Abstract

DBP and DEHP are two of the most common plasticisers used in modern industries, which have aroused a major concern over their ubiquitous occurrence and hazardous environmental effects. This study presents the first data of phthalates occurrence and distribution in Maltese shoreline sand. DBP and DEHP occurrence was investigated in three busy and secluded beaches, respectively. Analytical determination involved quantifying DBP and DEHP from 75 samples using UPLC–MS/MS through triple repeatability. The concentrations ranged between 0.0095 and 0.07034 µg/g and