Aqueous secondary formation substantially contributes to hydrophilic organophosphate esters in aerosols

Shaojun Lv, LeLe Tian, Shizhen Zhao (), Kevin C. Jones, Duohong Chen, Guangcai Zhong, Jun Li, Buqing Xu, Ping’an Peng and Gan Zhang ()
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Shaojun Lv: Chinese Academy of Sciences
LeLe Tian: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shizhen Zhao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Kevin C. Jones: Lancaster University
Duohong Chen: Guangdong Environmental Monitoring Center
Guangcai Zhong: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jun Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Buqing Xu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ping’an Peng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Gan Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Chemicals of emerging concern (CECs), like organophosphate esters (OPEs), are toxic substances threatening human and wildlife health. Yet the atmospheric transformation of CECs remains poorly understood. Here we combine field measurements and partitioning models to reveal that OPEs could be enhanced by aqueous-phase processes in aerosols. We show that hydrophobic OPEs are absorbed favorably into the organic phase, whereas hydrophilic OPEs preferably partition into the aqueous phase. We provide field evidence that enhanced aqueous secondary formation of OPEs occurs in winter, and its magnitude is strongly dependent on aerosol water content. We suggest that dissolved inorganic salts and transition metals in aerosols positively impact the formation of particle-bound hydrophilic OPEs, by facilitating aqueous partitioning and/or oxidation. Our findings highlight the important role of aqueous oxidation chemistry for the fate of CECs in the atmosphere, urging better consideration of transformation products in future risk assessment and chemical management.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59361-6

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