PT Journal
AU Lenoir, A
   Touchard, A
   Devers, S
   Christidès, J
   Boulay, R
   Cuvillier-Hot, V
TI Ant cuticular response to phthalate pollution
SO Environmental Science and Pollution Research
JI Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res.
PY 2014
BP 13446
EP 13451
VL 21
IS 23
DI 10.1007/s11356-014-3272-2
DE Absorption; Ants; Bbp; Bioindicator; Cuticle; Dbp; Dehp; DiBP; Phthalates; Pollutants
AB Phthalates are common atmospheric contaminants used in the plastic industry. Ants have been shown to constitute good bioindicators of phthalate pollution. Hence, phthalates remain trapped on ant cuticles which are mostly coated with long-chain hydrocarbons. In this study, we artificially contaminated Lasius niger ants with four phthalates: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP). The first three have previously been found on ants in nature in Touraine (France), while the fourth has not. The four phthalates disappeared rapidly (less than 5 days) from the cuticles of live ants. In contrast, on the cuticles of dead ants, DEHP quantities remained unchanged over time. These results indicate that phthalates are actively absorbed by the cuticles of live ants. Cuticular absorption of phthalates is nonspecific because eicosane, a nonnatural hydrocarbon on L. niger cuticle, was similarly absorbed. Ants are important ecological engineers and may serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health. We also suggest that ants and more generally terrestrial arthropods may contribute to the removal of phthalates from the local environment.
ER