Dibutylphthalate degradation in estuarine and freshwater sites

Biotic and abiotic degradation of di-$\text{n}$-butylphthalate (DBP) in water and sediment/water systems from six different sites was investigated under laboratory conditions. DBP disappearance was rapid in all microbially active systems and substantially reduced under sterile conditions. Adaptation of microbial populations to degrade DBP was indicated in six of nine evaluations conducted. The presence of sediment significantly increased biodegradation rates in five of the six sites.