Environmental fate and effects of organophosphate flame retardants in the soil-plant system

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), as a replacement for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are of increasing concern due to their high production over the years. Soil is the major environmental reservoir and interchange for OPFRs. OPFRs in soil could be transferred to the food chain, and pose potential ecological and human health risks. This review focused on the environmental fate and effects of typical OPFRs in the soil-plant system. We concluded that the sorption and transformation behaviors of OPFRs due to their crucial impact on bioavailability. The root uptake and translocation of OPFRs by plants were summarized with analyses of their potential affecting factors. The in planta transformation and potential ecological effects of OPFRs were also briefly discussed. Finally, we highlighted several research gaps and provided suggestions for future research, including the development of simulative/computative methods to evaluate the bioavail-ability of OPFRs, the effects of root exudates and rhizosphere microorganisms on the bioavailability and plant uptake of OPFRs, and the development of green and sustainable technologies for in situ remediation of OPFRs-contaminated soil.

Automated summary

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) as a replacement for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have raised concerns due to their high production and potential risks to ecosystems and human health. This review focused on the environmental fate and effects of OPFRs in the soil-plant system, highlighting the importance of sorption and transformation behaviors on bioavailability. The study also discussed the uptake and translocation of OPFRs by plants, as well as potential ecological effects and research gaps that need to be addressed in future studies.