Occurrence, spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment of Organophosphate Esters in surface water and sediments from the Ravi River and its tributaries

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are widely used as substitutes for brominated flame retardants and characterized as emerging contaminants. Due to their toxicity and persistent nature, OPEs are becoming a matter of greater concern worldwide. However, information about the pollution profile of OPEs and associated ecological risks is still scarce in environmental matrices of the South Asian region, particularly Pakistan. Hence, the current study was conducted to investigate the occurrence, spatial distribution patterns, ecological risks and riverine flux of 10 organophosphate esters in surface water and sediments of Ravi River and its four tributaries. The concentrations of ∑