The distribution in environment of phthalic acid esters classified according to their inherent toxicity, teratogenic, mutagenic properties and cancerogenic activity into a group of priority pollutants of biosphere is described in this review. The role of microbial community in degradation of phthalate esters has been demonstrated. The effect of such environmental factors as pH of the medium, temperature, humidity, concentration of organic matter, the introduction of promising microbial strains in natural biocenoses has been examined. The pathways of phthalate ester metabolism have been analysed in representatives of active bacterial destructors belonging to genera Nocardia, Pseudomonas and Micrococcus. The decomposition rate of phthalate esters has been shown to be correlated with structure, concentration and culture conditions.