Organophosphate triesters and diesters in the Yellow River Basin (Shandong section): Geographical patterns, land use...

This study is the first systematic investigation of the pollution characteristics, geographical distribution, land use impact, and source apportionment of tri-OPEs and di-OPEs in the sediments of Shandong section of Yellow River Basin. Both tri-OPEs and di-OPEs show elevated detection frequencies, indicating the ubiquity of tri-OPEs and di-OPEs in the Yellow River Basin. Tri-OPEs concentrations varied from 3.67 to 275 ng/g dw, which were relatively higher compared to the concentrations of di-OPEs (ranging from 3.61 to 95.3 ng/g dw). The geographic distribution of tri-OPEs and di-OPEs exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, with tributaries like the Dawen River showing notably higher concentrations than the main stem of the Yellow River. Industrial and agriculturally intensive areas showed significantly higher concentrations of tri-OPEs and di-OPEs than other regions, highlighting the key influencing factors of industrial and agricultural activities on the pollution levels of tri-OPEs and di-OPEs in the Shandong section of the Yellow River Basin. Utilizing a forward matrix factorization model, industrial emissions, agricultural production, atmospheric deposition, and domestic sewage were identified as the primary pollution sources of OPEs within this region. This study provides a scientific basis for managing the environment and controlling pollution from OPE compounds in the Yellow River Basin of Shandong section.