Occurrence and distribution of organophosphate flame retardants in the typical soil profiles of the Tibetan Plateau, China

The urbanization and development of Tibetan Plateau (TP) probably results in a significant contamination of organic pollutants, such as organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs). However, there is a lack of monitoring and evaluation of their occurrence and risks in the soil of TP. We investigated the concentrations, vertical distributions, potential sources, and ecological risks of OPFRs in soil profiles from four regions of TP, China. The total concentrations of OPFRs in all soil samples ranged from 1.35 to 126 ng/g with a median of 12.6 ng/g. Relatively high concentrations were discovered in the top soils from Lhasa, suggesting a rising contamination around cities of TP due to anthropogenic disturbance. Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TNBP) was the dominant OPFRs followed by tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). Vertical distribution of ΣOPFRs was discovered, especially at site Lhasa. Source apportionment based on principle component analysis and correlation analysis suggests that OPFRs in the TP soil mainly originate from atmospheric transport, while some OPFRs in the top soil may be also influenced by nearby sources. The vertical distributions of OPFRs in soil may be influenced by both soil and chemical properties, as well as their use. The ecological risk quotients (RQs) of 6 OPFRs in the TP soil were calculated, and most of their ecological risks were relatively low or negligible. However, for the worst-case scenario calculated by the 95th percentile concentrations, TNBP and tris(2-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) at site Lhasa and cresyl diphenyl phosphate (CDP) at site Nagri had moderate risks. More attentions should be paid to the Tibetan Plateau in the future due to the rising ecological risks of OPFRs, especially to the areas around cities. [Display omitted] •Relatively high OPFR levels were found in the top soil of Lhasa, Tibet.•TNBP and TCEP were the dominant OPFRs in the Tibetan soil profiles.•Low to moderate ecological risks were found for TNBP and TCIPP in soil of Lhasa.•Distribution of OPFRs in TP soil may be affected by soil and chemical properties.