Residue Dynamics of Di-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate in Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas)

Abstract

Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were continuously exposed to 1.9–62 μg/liter di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) for 56 days. The accumulation factors ranged downward from 886 to 155 as the exposure concentrations increased. The major metabolite of DEHP was the monoester, 2-ethylhexyl phthalate. After being placed in uncontaminated water, the fish eliminated half of the DEHP in 12.2 days.