Environmental occurrence of phthalate and organophosphate esters in sediments across the Gulf of Lion (NW Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

Seven phthalate (PAEs) and nine organophosphate esters (OPEs) were measured in surface sediments across the Gulf of Lion (NW Mediterranean Sea) at twelve stations characterized by different anthropogenic signatures. ∑PAEs and ∑OPEs concentrations ranged from 2 to 766 ng/g DW (av. 196 ng/g DW) and from 4 to 227 ng/g DW (av. 54 ng/g DW), respectively. Our analysis of the potential sources of these organic plastic additives in sediments of the Gulf of Lion suggests that the dominant factors affecting their occurrence and environmental distribution are portbased industrial activities and urban pressures. Indeed, the highest ∑PAE and ∑ OPE concentrations were found close to the ports of Toulon and Marseille (Estaque) and at the sites impacted by the Marseille metropolitan area (i.e. at the outlets of the waste water treatment plant at Cortiou and at the mouth of the Huveaune River). The lowest levels were generally found in protected areas (e.g. Port-Cros) and at sites relatively far from the coast. DEHP was seen to be the most abundant PAE while TDCP, TEHP and TiBP were the most abundant OPEs in the area. Our results also expose the contribution of additives entering the Gulf of Lion via sedimentary material from the Rhône River, with positive correlations 3 between the total organic carbon (TOC) content in the sediment and the ∑PAEs and ∑OPEs concentrations. However, additive concentrations decreased from shore to offshore in the Rhône River discharge area, indicating an efficient dilution of the contaminants accumulated at the river mouth area.

Source and Distribution of Emerging and Legacy Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Basins of the Eastern Indian Ocean

“…36 Σ 7 OPEs had an average of 54 ng g −1 dw in the Gulf of Lion (NW Mediterranean Sea), which has thriving port-based industrial activities. 37 Regarding surface soil samples from land, the concentrations of OPEs in urban areas were generally higher than those in suburban and rural areas due to the influence of different human activities. 38 Thus, OPE pollution in EIO may be worse than we think.…”

“…The mean concentration of ∑ 11 OPEs in the surface sediments of northern Chinese coastal waters was 26 ± 25.9 ng g –1 dw . Σ 7 OPEs had an average of 54 ng g –1 dw in the Gulf of Lion (NW Mediterranean Sea), which has thriving port-based industrial activities . Regarding surface soil samples from land, the concentrations of OPEs in urban areas were generally higher than those in suburban and rural areas due to the influence of different human activities .…”

Determination And Environmental Risk Assessment Of Organophosphorus Flame Retardants In Sediments Of The South China Sea

“…Because of their long carbon chains and high values of logK oc , OPFRs show a strong tendency to combine with carbon-rich suspended particles and accumulate in sediments (Net et al 2015, van der Veen & de Boer 2012). Therefore, determining their concentration and distribution in sediments is essential for better understanding of their potential impact on sea oor communities, and global marine ecosystem function (Alkan et al 2021). OPFRs concentrations in the surface sediments of the SCS are shown in Fig.…”

Air–Sea Exchange and Atmospheric Deposition of Phthalate Esters in the South China Sea

“…Continuous emissions of PAEs have led to their ubiquitous distribution and abundance in the global environment. For example, PAEs have been determined in wastewater, river water, seawater, air, sediment, and fish. − Both atmospheric and aquatic transport pathways play an important role in the presence of PAEs in the marine environment. − When PAEs enter the marine environment, they can redistribute in different environmental compartments and exchange, crossing the interface between gas/particle, air/water, water/sediment, and water/organism. − Furthermore, it has been proven that sediments are important sinks and sources for PAE distribution and bioaccumulation in the marine environment. − Besides, photo- and biological degradation may interfere with their levels in the air and aquatic environments. , However, the transformed products of PAEs can be more toxic than their parent substances . Consequently, air–sea exchange processes may significantly interfere with the biogeochemical cycle of PAEs in the marine environment …”