Sunscreen chemicals accumulating in Mediterranean seagrass, finds study
UV filters absorbed by Posidonia oceanica may have damaging effects on ecosystems, scientists warn
Safi Bugel
Tue 12 Apr 2022 07.24 EDT
Chemicals found in sunscreen lotions are accumulating in Mediterranean seagrass, a study has found.
Scientists discovered ultraviolet filters in the stems of Posidonia oceanica, a seagrass species found on the coast of Mallorca and endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. The researchers believe the contamination is the result of recreational activities and waste discharges in the tourist destination.
“This marine enclave is impacted by port activities, water discharge and tourism,” said Dr Silvia Díaz Cruz, co-author of the study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin. “Since the Mediterranean Sea is shallow, small and very enclosed, concentrations of UV-absorbing chemicals can reach high [levels].”
Sunscreen chemicals accumulating in Mediterranean seagrass, finds study
UV filters absorbed by Posidonia oceanica may have damaging effects on ecosystems, scientists warn
Posidonia oceanica segrass meadows in the calanques in the Mediterranean Sea near Marseille, southern France.
Posidonia oceanica segrass meadows in the calanques in the Mediterranean Sea near Marseille, southern France. Photograph: Boris Horvat/AFP/Getty Images
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Safi Bugel
Tue 12 Apr 2022 07.24 EDT
Chemicals found in sunscreen lotions are accumulating in Mediterranean seagrass, a study has found.
Scientists discovered ultraviolet filters in the stems of Posidonia oceanica, a seagrass species found on the coast of Mallorca and endemic to the Mediterranean Sea.
The researchers believe the contamination is the result of recreational activities and waste discharges in the tourist destination.
“This marine enclave is impacted by port activities, water discharge and tourism,” said Dr Silvia Díaz Cruz, co-author of the study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin. “Since the Mediterranean Sea is shallow, small and very enclosed, concentrations of UV-absorbing chemicals can reach high [levels].”
Samples found varying concentrations of sunscreen components, including oxybenzone, avobenzone 4-methyl, benzylidene camphor, benzophenone-4 and methyl parabens.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/apr/12/sunscreen-chemicals-accumulating-in-mediterranean-seagrass-finds-study
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