We discuss the major processes affecting the fate of OPEs in the environment, such as sorption, volatilization and biodegradation. Of the OPEs studied thus far, chlorinated tri(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tri(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) appear to be most recalcitrant and ubiquitous in water and air. We identified knowledge gaps concerning the fate of diesters and monoesters in the aqueous environment, the biodegradation of OPEs under less favorable conditions (sorbed to particles or under anoxic or anaerobic conditions) as well as the behavior of OPEs in the atmosphere and their potential for long-range transport.
A second part, addressing analytical methods will published in the next issue [J.B. Quintana, R. Rodil, T. Reemtsma, M. Garcı´a-López, I. Rodrı´guez, Trends Anal. Chem. (to be published in 27 (10) (2008))].