Organophosphate flame retardants in Romania coastline: Occurrence, faith and environmental risk

This research comprehensively assesses phosphorus-based flame retardants (OPFRs) in seawater, sediment, and algae from the Romanian Black Sea coastline, evaluating their concentrations, distribution patterns, and potential environmental risks. OPFR concentrations ranged from 479 to 2229 ng/L in abiotic samples and 44 to 1953 ng/g dry weight in sediments, while algae samples showed concentrations between 273 and 10,301 ng/g dry weight. The most common OPFRs identified were tri-propyl phosphate (TPP), tri(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), and tri(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) in abiotic samples, with TCEP, diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), TPP, and TCPP dominating in algae. Notably, TPP reached concentrations of 1417 ng/L and 10,062 ng/g dry weight in algae. The environmental risk assessment indicated that these contaminants pose risks ranging from low to medium, highlighting a moderate concern for aquatic organisms. The findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of OPFR levels in marine environments to inform management strategies and mitigate potential ecological impacts on the Black Sea ecosystem. [Display omitted] •Eleven OPFRs detected in Romanian Black Sea•TCPP, TCEP, and TPP dominant, with highest levels in algae•Similar concentrations in seawater and sediments; no global average for algae•Individual OPFRs pose low to medium risk; mixture risk needs study.•Understanding degradation & monitoring crucial for environmental implications