Organophosphate flame retardants and phthalate esters in marine environment of Thermaikos Gulf, Northern Aegean Sea

The aim of this study was to thoroughly investigate the occurrence of two groups of high-volume industrial chemicals extensively used in many applications in the area of Thermaikos Gulf, Northern Aegean Sea, a typical semi-enclosed coastal inlet of the east-central Mediterranean Sea. For this purpose, organophosphate (OPEs) and phthalate esters (PEs) were determined in water samples and sediments. The concentrations of OPEs and PEs, their profile, possible sources and ecological risk are discussed. PEs were ubiquitous pollutants in the marine environment. The concentrations ΣOPEs ranged from 608 to 2447 ng/L in water and 450–5495 ng/g in sediments. The concentrations of ΣPEs ranged from 2820 to 13,343 ng/L in water and 7070–39,960 ng/g in sediments. Field partition coefficients of OPEs and PEs and possible relationships with concentrations of suspended particulate matter, dissolved and particulate organic carbon were discussed. A chemometric approach was employed to elucidate similarities/dissimilarities between these compounds and sampling sites. Finally, possible ecological risk for different aquatic species was estimated. • OPEs and PEs are ubiquitous pollutants in marine environment • They were detected in both seawater and sediments • TBOEP and DEHP were the most abundant compounds • Low to medium ecological risk for most compounds