Diethyl ethylphosphonate retardants disturbed the gut microbiome in vitro based on Simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem

Diethyl ethylphosphonate (DEEP) has gradually replaced dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) as a novel organophosphorus flame retardant and received increasing attention. However, the studies on the changes of DEEP exposure on the structural composition and metabolic functions of the gut microbiome are still lacking. In this study, the SHIME system was used to investigate the effects of DEEP on the structure and function of the human gut microbiome. Results from high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene show that the high-dose DEEP exposure group reduced the Shannon and Simpson index in the transverse and descending colon.