Dispersion and ecological risk assessment of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in the surface waters of Thailand.

Previous environmental monitoring indicated that di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was released into the environment. This study collected both water and sediment samples from the source area, deltas of major rivers discharging into the Gulf of Thailand, and 2 tourist beaches from February 2007-August 2009. The analyses showed that the highest DEHP concentrations were 8.64 microg l(-1) and 14.51 microg g(-1) for water and suspended sediment samples, respectively. Nevertheless, the monitoring results indicated that the dispersion of DEHP was limited to the source area. The ecological risk assessment indicated that the ecological risk did not exceed the acceptable level for the current degree of contaminations.