Analytical insights into short-chain chlorinated paraffins in consumer products, leachates, and sediments in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), widely used as plasticizers and flame retardants, are of growing concern due to their toxicity, environmental persistence, and ability to undergo long-range transport. At the end of their lifecycle, SCCP-containing consumer products often end up in landfills, where they leach into the environment, contributing to contamination. This study investigates the presence and concentrations of SCCPs (51.5 and 55.5% chlorine content) in selected consumer products, landfill leachate, and sediment samples from Gauteng Province, South Africa. SCCPs were detected across all matrices, with concentrations in consumer products ranging from 12.03–439.58 ng/g (51.5% Cl) to 87.77–344 ng/g (55.5% Cl). Sediment and leachate concentrations varied between sites, with higher levels observed in Goudkoppies compared to Hatherly. These findings highlight the pervasive presence of SCCPs and underscore the need for stricter environmental monitoring and management to mitigate their potential risks. Therefore, consumer products waste need to be monitored as relevant potential source of SCCPs worldwide, even where the national industry strictly follows the restriction of such chemicals. Graphical abstract