Occurrence and removal of organophosphate esters in municipal wastewater treatment plants in Thessaloniki, Greece

An integrate study regarding the occurrence and fate of eleven organophosphate esters (OPEs) was conducted at two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the area of Thessaloniki, Greece. Both plants employed conventional activated sludge process whereas as last treatment step the first unit use chlorination and the second one ozonation. OPEs were determined in dissolved fraction, total suspended solids and sludge from various treatment stages of WWTPs. Tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP), tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TClPP) and triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) were the most abundant compounds in influent and treated effluent. Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) was also abundant in suspended solids and sludge. Total concentrations of ∑11OPEs ranged from 2144 to 9743 ng L−1 in influents, 1237–2909 ng L−1 in effluents and 3332–14294 ng g−1 dw in sludge. Removal rates from 55% to 80% were observed for most OPEs, whereas chlorinated OPEs, especially for tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) exhibited low removal efficiency. Mass balance analysis showed that biodegradation was the dominant removal mechanism contributing up to 85%. Sorption onto sludge was also relevant removal pathway for most compounds. Emissions of OPEs through effluents and sludge did not pose considerable risk to the aquatic and terrestrial environment. •TBOEP dominated in influent, effluent and sludge.•Alkyl- and aryl-OPEs showed high removal rates up to 80%.•Chlorinated-OPEs revealed lower removal and higher resistance to biodegradation.•Biodegradation was the main process affected the fate of most OPEs.•Low environmental risk was estimated for OPEs in sludge and effluents.