Levels and distribution of organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers in fishes from Manila Bay, the Philippines

Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) and stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) were determined in 58 fishes belonging to 20 species collected from Manila Bay, the Philippines. OPCs were detected in most of the samples and found up to μg/g lw (lipid weight) level, suggesting their ubiquitous presence in the coastal marine environment of the Philippines. Higher levels (>1000 ng/g lw) of total OPCs were determined in yellowstriped goatfish, silver sillago, tripletail wrasse and bumpnose trevally indicates either their active uptake from ambient water or lower metabolic capacity of these species. Levels of triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) in demersal species showed a positive correlation with δ15N, indicating that TPhP was adsorbed onto the particle, settled down to the bottom sediment and accumulated through the benthic food web rather than the pelagic. Estimated dietary intake of OPCs in Manila Bay fishes were four to five orders of magnitude lower than the proposed reference dose (RfD).

► Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) were determined in fish from Manila Bay.
► OPCs were detected up to μg/g lw, suggesting ubiquitous environmental contamination.
► Among the 9 targeted OPCs, TEHP and TEP were found as the predominant compounds.
► Estimated dietary intake through fish consumption was 4–5 orders of magnitude lower than RfD.
► This is the first report on OPCs pollution in marine environment of Southeast Asia.