A review of ultraviolet filters and their impact on aquatic environments
Recommended Citation
Grant GJ, Lim HW, and Mohammad TF. A review of ultraviolet filters and their impact on aquatic environments. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-20-2024
Publication Title
Photochemical & photobiological sciences
Abstract
Numerous anthropogenic ultraviolet filters (UVF) have been detected in aquatic environments and concerns have arisen regarding their potential impacts on aquatic organisms. This manuscript reviews the environmental concentrations and potential toxicity of various UVF. The highest concentrations of UVF are typically observed near frequently visited recreational areas and during peak water-activity periods, which suggests that sunscreen application correlates with noticeable alterations in UVF concentrations. Aquatic concentrations of certain filters have sporadically exceeded 10 μg/L, although most measurements remain below 1 µg/L, which is below commonly reported toxicity levels. UVF have also been detected in aquatic organisms, typically ranging from nondetectable levels to a few hundred ng/g, depending on the species. The toxic effects from UVF, such as coral bleaching and diminished growth, have been observed in laboratory settings, however, toxicity tends to manifest only at significantly higher levels than what is typically detected in aquatic environments. Further research is imperative to provide consumers with improved guidance on selecting sunscreen containing UVF that poses the least environmental risk.
PubMed ID
39704908
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
