Pollution characteristics and risk assessment of organophosphate esters in mollusks along the coast of South China

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are emerging pollutants and used extensively in industrial production as alternative to the traditional flame retardants. This study investigated the contamination characteristics and health risks of OPEs in 104 mollusks from 15 cities along the coastal region of South China. Σ8OPEs ranged from 48.2 to 1937 ng/g dw, with a mean value of 295 ng/g dw. TDCIPP, TCPP, and TCEP were the dominant OPEs. Different spatial distributions were observed, with higher concentrations in Guangdong Province. A statistically positive but non-significant linear correlation was found between the trophic level of mollusk and OPEs concentration. The trophic magnification factors were >1, suggesting that OPEs have the potential to biomagnify in mollusks. OPEs in mollusks pose low non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to consumers. This study provides an important basis for managing the safety risks associated with OPEs in mollusks.