Phthalic acid esters(PAEs)is a kind of organic pollutants widely distributed in water environment in China.PAEs have been paid more attention due to its teratogenicity,mutagenicity and carcinogenicity.The biodegradations are considered to be the major route of degradation for these widespread pollutants in environment.This paper reviews the pollution status of PAEs in China and also the progress of biodegradations studies.