Organophosphate esters and their metabolites in eggs from Vietnam

Data on the occurrence of organophosphate tri-esters (tri-OPEs) and their metabolites (di-OPEs) in hen's eggs are scarce. Therefore, 200 egg samples were gathered in 2023 in Hanoi, Vietnam and analysed by UHPLC-Q-Exactive HRMS. The majority of these compounds were detected, with tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (0.10-2.7 ng/g wet weight (ww)) and trihexyl phosphate (0.08-2.3 ng/g ww) being the most prevalent tri-OPEs. Significant differences in tri-OPE profiles were observed in egg samples from battery-cage and free-range farming (<i>p</i> < .05). Despite egg levels ranging from 0.05 to 11.2 ng/g ww, Σdi-OPE accumulation in yolk and egg white was not significantly different in (<i>p</i> > .05). Among di-OPEs, dibutyl phosphate was found at the highest levels in the egg white, while bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate had the highest levels in yolk. There was no carcinogenic human health risk associated with OPEs in eggs (HQs <1).