Organophosphate esters (OPEs) in atmospheric particulate matter in different Brazilian regions

Abstract

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been widely used as plasticizers. Current studies have shown that these compounds may constitute atmospheric particulate matter (PM), but no research has focused on detecting these substances in Brazil. Hence, our research aims to determine OPEs concentrations in 26 PM₁₀ samples from three Brazilian cities in different regions. The substances found were tri-n-butyl phosphate (TNBP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCIPP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), tris(2-butoxyethyl)phosphate (TBOEP), 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP) and tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP). In Catalão, the most abundant compounds were TNBP and TPHP, in Limeira TPHP and TEHP, and in Novo Hamburgo TEHP and TBOEP. Statistical analyses were performed to correlate the concentrations with meteorological variables. Results showed that temperature had a negative correlation with TBOEP, relative humidity had a negative correlation with TPHP and TEHP, atmospheric pressure had a positive correlation with TPHP, and wind speed had a significant influence on total and TPHP. Moreover, human exposure to these substances presents a negligible risk, for both children and adults.