Organophosphorus esters in edible seaweeds: Higher levels and different bioaccumulation patterns relative to...

Widespread distribution of synthetic organophosphorus esters (OPs), including organophosphite antioxidants (OPAs), organophosphate esters (OPEs) and their diester hydrolysates (di-OPEs) were found in edible seaweeds of China, Japan, Korea, USA and Iceland, with the total concentrations of OPs ranged from 177.5 to 2017 ng/g-dw. A novel OPE, AO168 = O, the oxide of OPA compound AO168, appeared as the predominant contaminant. Edible seaweeds exhibit substantially higher total concentrations of OPs compared to some terrestrial vegetables. In addition, the bioaccumulation factor of OPs in seaweeds is positively correlated with their hydrophobicity, which is contrary to that reported in terrestrial vegetables. The dietary intake of OPs via edible seaweed in East Asian adults is estimated as 61.24-170.6 ng/kg-bw/day in high exposure scenario, which is comparable to that of terrestrial vegetables, and higher than that of seafoods. Therefore, while harvesting "vegetables" from the sea, their risk of pollutants ingestion should be taken seriously.