Mulch films play a critical role in the accumulation of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in greenhouse soils.
However, their impact on the occurrence, partitioning and health risks of atmospheric OPEs is unclear. This study fully investigated multi-media distributions of eleven traditional OPEs and four novel OPEs in greenhouses covered with degradable mulch films. The atmospheric concentrations exhibited substantial variability, ranging from 539 to 14821 pg/m³ in the gas phase and from 242 to 8320 pg/m³ in the particle phase, with summer levels higher than winter levels. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were detected between OPE concentrations in mulch films and in air, indicating mulch films as a major source. First-order kinetic model effectively characterized the release patterns of dominant congeners including triphenyl phosphate and tris(2,4-ditert-butylphenyl) phosphate from degradable films. The Li-Ma-Yang model showed superior predictive capability for gas-particle partitioning than the Harner-Bidleman model. Total concentrations of OPEs in uncoated soils were at a range of 274-955 μg/kg. Soil-air exchange behaviors of OPEs governed by inherent volatility exhibited a seasonal dependence.
While non-carcinogenic risks of OPEs for greenhouse farmers via air inhalation and dermal contact were negligible, holistic health assessments should integrate other uptake pathways and consider transformation products of OPEs.
Zhao, F., Tian, S., Liu, J., Wang, Y., Cui, G., Ha, X., Ma, Z., Ping, H., & Li, C. (2025). Traditional and novel organophosphate esters in atmosphere of greenhouse covered with mulch films: Seasonal variations, partitioning and exposure risks. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 138633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138633
Source: Science Direct