A review of environmental occurrence, analysis, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of organophosphate esters

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international Vol. 28; no. 36; pp. 49507 - 49528
• Main Authors: Bekele, Tadiyose Girma, Zhao, Hongxia, Yang, Jun, Chegen, Ruth Gebretsadik, Chen, Jingwen, Mekonen, Seblework, Qadeer, Abdul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-09-2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aquatic animals; Aquatic biota; Aquatic organisms; Aquatic Pollution; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Bioaccumulation; Biological magnification; Biota; Bromination; Consumer products; Defoaming; Drinking water; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Environmental science; Esters; Ethers; Flame retardants; Health risks; Organophosphates; PCB; Physicochemical properties; Polybrominated diphenyl ethers; Polychlorinated biphenyls; Review Article; Toxicity; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water pollution; Water Pollution Control; Wildlife; Organophosphate esters; Bioaccumulation; Toxicity; Human exposure; Environmental occurrence; Biomagnification
• ISSN: 0944-1344; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15861-8

The ban and restriction of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and major brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), due to their confirmed detrimental effects on wildlife and humans have paved the way for the wide application of organophosphate esters (OPEs). OPEs have been extensively used as alternative flame retardants, plasticizer, and antifoaming agents in various industrial and consumer products, which leads to an increase in production, usage, and discharge in the environment. We compile recent information on the production/usage and physicochemical properties of OPEs and discussed and compared the available sample treatment and analysis techniques of OPEs, including extraction, clean-up, and instrumental analysis. The occurrence of OPEs in sediment, aquatic biota, surface, and drinking water is documented. Toxicity, human exposure, and ecological risks of OPEs were summarized; toxicological data of several OPEs shows different adverse health effects on aquatic organisms and humans. Much attention was given to document evidence regarding the bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential of OPEs in aquatic organisms. Finally, identified research gaps and avenues for future studies are forwarded.
Graphical abstract