Phthalate Esters in Different Beverages From Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria: Concentrations and Health Risk Assessment

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are widely used additives in polymeric materials to enhance the flexibility and durability of plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Under elevated temperatures, these compounds may migrate from packaging materials into beverages, posing potential health risks including endocrine disruption and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases such as cancer. Despite the widespread consumption of bottled and packaged beverages in Nigeria, information on phthalate contamination remains limited. This study therefore presents the first comprehensive assessment of six PAEs (dimethyl phthalate [DMP], diethyl phthalate [DEP], dibutyl phthalate [DBP], butyl benzyl phthalate [BBP], bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [DEHP], and di-n-octyl phthalate [DNOP]) in beverages marketed in Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria. PAEs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, enabling sensitive detection of trace contaminants. Concentrations ranged 0.016-0.020 mg L^-1 for DMP, < 0.001-0.001 mg L^-1 for DEP, < 0.001-0.010 mg L^-1 for DBP, 0.104-0.153 mg L^-1 for BBP, <0.001 mg L^-1 for DEHP, and 0.555-1.501 mg L^-1 for DNOP. DNOP and BBP were the most prevalent compounds, with DNOP ranging from 0.555 ± 0.442 mg L^-1 in orange drinks to 1.501 ± 2.490 mg L^-1 in bottled water, while BBP ranged from 0.104 ± 0.010 mg L^-1 in energy drinks to 0.153 ± 0.136 mg L^-1 in cola drinks. Health risk assessment indicated negligible non-carcinogenic risk for most phthalates (hazard quotient < 1). However, DNOP exceeded safety thresholds across all age groups, suggesting potential cumulative exposure, particularly for infants. BBP accounted for most estimated lifetime cancer risk, highlighting the need for improved packaging practices and regulatory monitoring in tropical environments where elevated temperatures may enhance plasticizer migration.