Abstract

Flame retardants (FRs) are released throughout the plastic life cycle, potentially impacting the environment, biodiversity, and human health. This study analyzed novel flame retardants (NFR) in marine plastic litter (MPL) from six coastal areas in central Chile in November 2017. Target chemicals (n = 19) were analyzed using ultrasonic extraction with hexane, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry (GC–MS). From all nineteen NFRs analyzed, only ten (53 %) were routinely detected. BTBPE (1,2-bis(2,4,6 tribromophenoxy) ethane) showed the highest concentrations at the Bellavista site (618 to 424,000 pg g− 1), and HBB (Hexabromobiphenyl), banned since 1970, was detected in Coliumo (2630 to 13,700 pg g− 1). These results show emerging transport patterns and underscore the critical need for enhanced waste management practices for MPL in coastal regions to prevent adverse impacts on marine biodiversity.