Occurrence, potential sources and risks of organophosphate esters in the high-elevation region, Tibet, China

Abstract

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are widely used flame retardants that are frequently released into the environment, causing potential harm to humans and ecosystems. Tibet is located on the Tibetan Plateau, known as the “roof of the world”, but the occurrence of OPEs in Tibet remains unclear. This is the first report of the occurrence, potential sources and risks of 12 OPEs in water, soil, sediment and snow from Xainza, a typical town at high-elevation in Tibet (average elevation = 4700 m). Ten OPEs were observed, with ∑OPE concentrations of 46.45–1744.73 ng/L in surface water, 29.74–73.85 ng/g in soil, and 13.30–32.23 ng/g in sediment. Moreover, the mean ∑OPE concentration in snow was 413.90 ng/L. Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) were the main OPEs in surface water and snow, while 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) was dominant in soil and sediment. Local human activities and long-distance atmospheric transport may be the main sources of OPEs in Xainza. The assessment of ecological risk indicated that EHDPP in soil poses potential risk. The occurrence of OPEs in Xainza showed that more attention should be paid to persistent organic pollutants in high-elevation regions.