Work

Combining dissolved organic matter correlation and water quality parameters to unravel the fate of organophosphate esters in Uliastai Lake

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Environmental risk of organophosphate esters (OPEs) have garnered increasing attention as emerging contaminants in the global world. However, there is limited understanding regarding the concentration of OPEs and the impact of eutrophication lakes. Therefore, this study comprehensively examined the distribution characteristics of OPEs in water and sediments of Uliastai Lake, analysed their potential sources and pathways, explored the correlations between OPEs and dissolved organic matter (DOM) and water quality parameters, and conducted a risk assessment of OPEs. The study revealed that the average concentration of Σ 11 OPEs in the water was 694.71 ng/L, and the Σ 12 OPEs in the sediments was 105.99 ng/g (dw). OPEs primarily originated from domestic and tourism-related waste, boat and architectural coatings, wastewater treatment plants, industrial effluent discharge and transportation emissions. Triethyl phosphate (TEP) showed significant negative correlations with dissolved oxygen and turbidity (p < 0.05), whereas TEP, Tri (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), Tri (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) and alkyl-OPEs showed significant positive correlations with conductivity (p < 0.05). In addition, alkyl-OPEs exhibited a significant negative correlation with the fluorescence index of DOM and a significant positive correlation with the freshness index. The risk assessment results indicated that TEP and TECP have ecological risks and require strengthened management and control. This study comprehensively analysed the environmental behaviour of OPEs, providing new insights into the migration and transformation of emerging contaminants. • OPEs in water and sediment were 694.71 ng/L and 105.99 ng/g (dw). • OPEs are in the state of migrating from water to sediment. • EC showed significant positive correlations with FI, FreI, and BIX. • TEP and TECP pose low risks to the aquatic organisms.

Source: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119061