Development of TLSER model and QSAR model for predicting partition coefficients of hydrophobic organic chemicals between low density polyethylene film and water

Abstract

Partition coefficients are vital parameters for measuring accurately the chemicals concentrations by passive sampling devices. Given the wide use of low density polyethylene (LDPE) film in passive sampling, we developed a theoretical linear solvation energy relationship (TLSER) model and a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model for the prediction of the partition coefficient of chemicals between LDPE and water (Kpew). For chemicals with the octanol–water partition coefficient (log Kow) <8, a TLSER model with Vx (McGowan volume) and qA− (the most negative charge on O, N, S, X atoms) as descriptors was developed, but the model had relatively low determination coefficient (R2) and cross-validated coefficient (Q2). In order to further explore the theoretical mechanisms involved in the partition process, a QSAR model with four descriptors (MLOGP (Moriguchi octanol-water partition coeff.), P_VSA_s_3 (P_VSA-like on I-state, bin 3), Hy (hydrophilic factor) and NssO (number of atoms of type ssO)) was established, and statistical analysis indicated that the model had satisfactory goodness-of-fit, robustness and predictive ability. For chemicals with log KOW>8, a TLSER model with Vx and a QSAR model with MLOGP as descriptor were developed. This is the first paper to explore the models for highly hydrophobic chemicals. The applicability domain of the models, characterized by the Euclidean distance-based method and Williams plot, covered a large number of structurally diverse chemicals, which included nearly all the common hydrophobic organic compounds. Additionally, through mechanism interpretation, we explored the structural features those governing the partition behavior of chemicals between LDPE and water.