Abstract:Phthalates esters (PAEs) are important organic compounds used as plasticizers to enhance their plasticity and versatility. At the same time, PAEs are also typical environmental endocrine disruptors. Long-term production and use of plastic products have caused harm to the environment and organisms, as well as human health. Previous studies found that biodegradation has become a main pathway to reduce PAEs in the environment. This article reviews PAEs’ structural characteristics and classifications, toxicology, pollution in the environment, summarizes the diversity of PAEs-degrading bacterial species, and explores the possible mechanisms of bacterial PAEs degradation. The article may provide some reference in solving the problem of PAEs pollution.