Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate

Monitoring data

Administrative data

Endpoint:

monitoring data

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Study period:

June - Sep 2010 (Chinare 4) and Nov 2010 - March 2011 (Chinare 27)

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Analytical methods are well conducted, reported and reliable. Data may be used to understand the fate of TEHP and regional environmental concntrations.

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Organophosphorus Flame Retardants and Plasticizers in Airborne Particles over the Northern Pacific and Indian Ocean toward the Polar Regions: Evidence for Global Occurrence

Author:

Möller et al

Year:

2012

Bibliographic source:

Environ. Sci. Technol. 2012, 46, 3127−3134

Materials and methods

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Deviations:

not applicable

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP), an organophosphorus compound being applied as flame retardants and plasticizers was investigated in airborne particles over the Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Ocean. Samples taken during two polar expeditions in 2010/11, one from East Asia to the high Arctic (CHINARE 4) and another from East Asia toward the Indian Ocean to the Antarctic (CHINARE 27), were analysed for TEHP.

GLP compliance:

no

Type of measurement:

background concentration

Media:

air

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate

EC Number:

201-116-6

EC Name:

Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate

Cas Number:

78-42-2

Molecular formula:

C24H51O4P

IUPAC Name:

tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate

Test material form:

not specified

Details on test material:

Supplier: Sigma-Aldrich (reference material)

Study design

Details on sampling:

Air samples were taken along the marine sampling transects from East China Sea to the high Arctic (33.23−84.5°N) and from Sulu Sea (6.93°N, 120.28°E) − Fremantle (Australia) − Antarctica (−68.11°N, 75.64°E) − Fremantle (Australia) − Philippine Sea, respectively. In total, 30 samples (1−2 days, ∼500 m3) were taken via a high-volume air sampler placed in the front of the ship’s upper deck (∼20 m above sea level) using a binder free glass fiber filter ([GFF], GF/F, pore size: 0.7 μm) to trap airborne particles.

Since OPs are used widespread and therefore are also likely present in various lab equipment, the usage of any plastic and rubber material was avoided to minimize possible contamination of the samples during sampling, storage and transport, and extraction. The sampling equipment used to trap
airborne particles is exclusively made of stainless steel. Before usage, GFFs were baked at 450 °C for 12 h and wrapped in aluminum foil prior and after usage. All used glassware was baked at 250 °C for 10 h and rinsed with acetone. Silica gel was cleaned with DCM for 12 h and baked at 450 °C for 12 h prior to usage.

Results and discussion

Details on results:

TEHP detected in 82% and 100% of Chinare 4 and Chinare 27 samples, respectively.

Concentration ranged from not detected - 38 pg m-3 in Chinare 4 samples and 4 - 92 pg m-3 in Chinare 27 samples.

Highest concentrations detected in the Indian Ocean toward the Bali Sea to the Makassar straight (12.56−3.71°S) in close proximity to the Indonesian islands, where local sources of TEHP may be emitted.

Any other information on results incl. tables

Table 1. TEHP concentrations during CHINARE 4 and CHINARE 27

Location	TEHP Concentration Ranges (pg m^−3) during CHINARE 4 and CHINARE 27
Arctic Ocean	n.d.- 6
Sea of Japan	5 - 38
Northern Pacific Ocean	1−12
East Indian Archipelago, Philippine Sea	6−92
Indian Ocean	4−51
Southern Ocean	7

n.d. = not deteceted

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

Results demonstrate that TEHP is able to undergo long range atmospheric transport (LRAT).

Executive summary:

Air samples taken during two polar expeditions in 2010/11, one from East Asia to the high Arctic (CHINARE 4) and another from East Asia toward the Indian Ocean to the Antarctic (CHINARE 27), were analyzed for TEHP. TEHP was found in the majority of samples collected (>80%) with concentrations ranging from n.d. to 92 pg m^-3 with the highest concetrations detected in Indonesia. Concetrations of TEHP below 30°S began to plataeu with the weakening Asian continental air masses. The values observed in this area indicate the background levels of TEHP and also its ability to undergo LRAT, reaching areas below 60°S.