Concentrations and distribution of phthalate esters in the seamount area of the Tropical Western Pacific Ocean

A total of 14 phthalate esters (PAEs) were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to better understand its occurrence and distribution in seawater samples of M2 seamount in the Tropical Western Pacific Ocean (TWPO). The concentrations of Sigma PAEs in the seawater ranged from 12.13 ng L-1 to 60.69 ng L-1 (ay. 28.86 ng L-1), dominated by dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP). Sigma PAEs concentrations in the southwest of the seamount were lower than those in the northeast, with the minima appearing above the seamount summit. Current-seamount interaction was reckoned to be the principal driving factors in the distribution of PAEs. DEHP posed a medium risk in seawater, suggesting that marine plastic pollution has become an urgent environmental issue that calls for more attention and actions. Microplastics leaching and atmospheric deposition might be the potential sources of PAEs.