International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 78.96 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391 Volume 6 Issue 1, January 2017 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Analysis of Common Plastic Chemical Phthalates to Fresh Water Fish (Tilapia Mossambica) Dr. Y. Thangam 1 , S. Rajeswari 2 PG and research department of Zoology, J.K.K.Nataraja College of Arts and Science, Kumarapalayam, Mamakkal Dt, Tamilnadu, India Abstract: Phthalates are the most commonly used plasticizers. It is one of the chemical used to make plastics. Phthalates in foods occur mainly as a result of contamination with phthalates from packaging materials. The intake of phthalates contained in food is the most significant source of exposure for humans. It has been established that the amount of phthalates found in foods or meals depends on the initial contamination of ingredients used in the production of the food, food production technologies, the period of storage (the time of contact with packaging materials), storage temperatures, ways of preparing dishes, the fat content in foods, and the type of packaging material used Phthalates are man-made chemicals used in many different products. Results obtained from this study show that percentage mortality of Tilapia mossambica fingerlings increased with increase in concentration of diethyl hexyl phthalate was dose dependent. Keywords: Phthalates, Diethyl hexyl phthalate, Tilapia mossambica, bioassay studies 1. Introduction Phthalates are often called plasticizers. Some phthalates are used as solvents (dissolving agents) for other materials. The phthalates widely selected to soften plastics are used because of their strong performance, durability and stability. These phthalates plasticizers are bound into the material in which they are added, they do not easily migrate out of the product or evaporate. Phthalates are the most commonly used plasticizers in the world and are categorized as high and low, depending on their molecular weight. Phthalates are used in hundreds of products in our homes, hospitals, cars and business. Phthalates (pronounced "thah-lates") are chemical plasticizers that have been widely used since the 1950s to soften plastics. Colorless, odorless phthalates are not only cost effective, but also highly suitable for many flexible vinyl products. The characteristics of an individual phthalate often make it well suited to a particular product, allowing manufacturers to meet unique requirements for its use (function and safety specifications), appearance (texture, color, size and shape), and durability and wear. Phthalates are found in an amazing array of products. In personal care items, they're used to help lubricate other substances, help lotions penetrate and soften the skin, and help fragrances last longer. They're also used in toys, electronics (such as personal computers), car-care products, insecticides, and many household products, including adhesives, plastic wrap, plastic containers, flooring, furniture, wallpaper, shower curtains, and other things made of vinyl or PVC. Several of the chemicals used to produce plastics are hazardous for human health and the environment. These, and their degradation products, may be released during the life cycle of a plastic product. The overall aim of this paper is based on the study of the environmental and health hazards of plastics and the chemical phthalate DEHP (Diethyl hexyl phthalate). (Talsness et al. 2009). Phthalates are detectable in aquatic environments, in dust and, because of their volatility, in air. There is considerable concern about the adverse effects of these chemicals on wildlife and humans. In addition to the reliance on finite resources for plastic production, and concerns about additive effects of different chemicals, current patterns of usage are generating global waste management problems. Barnes et al. (2009) show that plastic wastes, including packaging, electrical equipment and plastics from undo like vehicles, are major components of both household and industrial wastes. Phthalates, are organic substances often called Phthalic acid esters, frequently used in many industries. They are usually colourless or slightly yellowish oily and odourless liquids very slightly soluble in water. Phthalates are much more readily soluble in organic solvents, side chains are longer, and their lipo solubility and the boiling point are higher. Phthalates have a broad variety of uses. They are used as the so-called plasticisers that improve mechanical properties of plastic materials, mainly PVC. They are also used in the manufacture of floorings, children’s toys, and are added to printing inks and to perfumes and nail varnishes. Phthalates provide plasticity to rigid materials such as polyvinyl chloride and other polymers. They also lubricate, act as solvents, and impart favourable characteristics to products. Phthalates are exposed from blood bags, injection syringes, intravenous canellas and catheters, and from plastic parts of dialysers is also a possibility. Phthalate ingestion may occur via food, including enteric nutritional formulas, pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, sucking children’s toys and other mouthing objects. Skin may come into direct contact with phthalate containing clothing, cosmetics, sunscreens, insecticides, other personal care products, modelling clay, toys, yoga pads, waxes, cleaning products and denture material. Many reports have discussed the impact of man- made xeno estrogenic compounds on man and wildlife. Phthalate is an industrial chemical that originated from a variety of compounds of anthropogenic origin such as pesticides, detergents and plasticizers used in products such insecticide, mosquito repellants, camphor substitute, plasticizer for cellulose, bathing soaps, cosmetics, pharmaceutical coal- tings, after shave-lotion, detergent, ester plastic film and sheets. (Huang et al., 2008). Tilapia is a good biological model for toxicological and immunotoxicity studies (Perez et al., 2008) due to diverse characteristics, namely their high growth rates, efficiency in adapting to diverse diets, great resistance to diseases and handling practices, easy reproduction in captivity at prolific Paper ID: 9011701 1758