A global systematic review on the concentration of organophosphate esters in water resources: Meta-analysis, and probabilistic risk assessment

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are used as additives in various industries. They do not chemically bond with the polymeric structure of materials, so they can stay for a long time and have a very adverse effect on the environment. To analyze the development of the prevalence and concentration of OPEs such as TCEP, TCPP, TDCP, TnBP, TPHP, TBOEP, TEHP, TMP, TCIPP, TDCIPP, TMPP, and TDBPP in water resources, a search between January 01, 2000, to April 08, 2021, was followed by a systematic review and meta-analysis. Among of the 888 articles scanned in the identity step, 58 articles containing 2676 samples, 10 countries, and 4 water types were included in the meta-analysis study. Among all studied OPEs, the concentration of TcrP, TCPP, TDCPP, and TnBP were at the top in water resources, with values >715 mu g L-1 and lowest average concentrations were obtained for TDBPP and TpeP with values <0.0004 mu g L-1. The most polluted area in terms of the concentration of OPEs in water resources was China. Besides, data analysis showed that there only was carcinogenic risk for China. A Monte-Carlo simulation indicated that although these obtained averages are in the same order of magnitude as the acceptable limit, for both adults and children, 95% of the population is at risk. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are commonly used as additives in various industries, and they can have long-lasting adverse effects on the environment due to their inability to chemically bond with materials. A meta-analysis of 58 articles containing 2676 samples from 10 countries revealed that China had the highest concentration of OPEs in water resources, with over 715 μg/L for certain OPEs. Monte-Carlo simulations showed that despite concentrations being within acceptable limits, 95% of the population may still be at risk.