The occurrence, distribution and ecological risk assessment of bisphenol A and phthalate acid esters in the semi closed ship-port sediments of south coastline Istanbul, Turkey

Bisphenol analogues and phthalate acid esters are well-known endocrine disruptors. Information on detailed distribution and partitioning of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) in port sediments is essential for a better understanding of their residence time in sediment, influence of anthropogenic activities in port, and port sustainability, especially in terms of environmental impact. Herein, this study determined the concentrations of BPA and PAEs in sediments that are collected from 38 stations from Istanbul ship-ports and scrutinized distribution, possible source identification and potential environmental risk assessment. The highest level of BPA was found in Kumport sediments (195.6 ng/g, d.w.); while remarkably, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) showed highest concentration (276.8 mu g/g, d.w.) in Bostanci Fishery Shelter. The DEHP exhibited the highest concentration among the others studied PAEs in all investigated sediments. The contaminants investigated were found in higher concentrations in the inner part of the ports than the other sampling points. It indicates that the highest concentration of compounds did not reflect the overall port pollution level. Maritime activities, ship/anthropogenic waste, and prolonged ship parking could be more likely to possible contamination sources of BPA and PAEs. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis showed that the BPA and PAEs could originate from same source and strongly correlated. Based on the Risk quotient (RQ) calculations of both of contaminants (BPA = 0.01-3.10; PAEs = < 0.002-8.51), it can be concluded that in hot-spot sediment sampling points have pose serious ecological risk on marine organisms. The calculated environmental risk assessment of PAEs values (TEL, PEL, PPI) also supports the phthalate pollution status.