This paper provides a comprehensive review of the occurrence, fate, behavior, and ecotoxicological state of phthalates (PAEs) in various environmental matrices, including air, water, sediment, sludge, wastewater, soil, and biota. PAEs, widely used as plasticizers, are ubiquitous in the environment due to their extensive application. The paper discusses the physicochemical properties of PAEs that control their behavior, transport, and fate, such as water solubility, vapor pressure, Henry's constant, and partition coefficients. It highlights the importance of quality control and assurance in analyzing PAEs in environmental samples to avoid contamination. The environmental transport, fate, and behavior of PAEs are discussed, including their removal through microbial transformation, volatilization, photo-oxidation, sorption, and biological uptake. The paper also addresses the impact of PAEs on human health and the environment, including endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, and carcinogenicity. Regulations and restrictions on PAEs are outlined, emphasizing the need for stricter controls to minimize health and environmental risks. The ecotoxicological state of PAEs is evaluated based on their contamination levels in different matrices, with comparisons to regulatory guidelines and threshold values. Overall, the paper emphasizes the widespread presence and potential impacts of PAEs, highlighting the need for continued research and regulatory action to mitigate their adverse effects.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the occurrence, fate, behavior, and ecotoxicological state of phthalates (PAEs) in various environmental matrices, including air, water, sediment, sludge, wastewater, soil, and biota. PAEs, widely used as plasticizers, are ubiquitous in the environment due to their extensive application. The paper discusses the physicochemical properties of PAEs that control their behavior, transport, and fate, such as water solubility, vapor pressure, Henry's constant, and partition coefficients. It highlights the importance of quality control and assurance in analyzing PAEs in environmental samples to avoid contamination. The environmental transport, fate, and behavior of PAEs are discussed, including their removal through microbial transformation, volatilization, photo-oxidation, sorption, and biological uptake. The paper also addresses the impact of PAEs on human health and the environment, including endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, and carcinogenicity. Regulations and restrictions on PAEs are outlined, emphasizing the need for stricter controls to minimize health and environmental risks. The ecotoxicological state of PAEs is evaluated based on their contamination levels in different matrices, with comparisons to regulatory guidelines and threshold values. Overall, the paper emphasizes the widespread presence and potential impacts of PAEs, highlighting the need for continued research and regulatory action to mitigate their adverse effects.