Occurrence and risk assessment of organophosphate esters in urban rivers from Piracicaba watershed (Brazil).

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are substances globally used as flame retardants and plasticizers that have been detected in all environmental compartments. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and sources of ten OPEs in the Piracicaba River Basin (Brazil). Twelve sampling sites were selected in five rivers with different pollution sources; six sampling campaigns were performed encompassing dry and wet seasons.

Organophosphate esters by GC-MS: An optimized method for aquatic risk assessment.

Organophosphate esters used as flame retardants and plasticizers are ubiquitous contaminants in surface waters. Many studies indicate that these compounds are neurotoxicants, endocrine disruptors, and may affect reproduction and development of aquatic organisms. Thus, analytical methods that allow accurate quantification of these contaminants at environmentally relevant concentrations are desirable for risk assessment studies.