Sunscreen exposure interferes with physiological processes while inducing oxidative stress in seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile

Abstract

The effects of a commercial sunscreen mixture on the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica were investigated, evaluating its response in physiological processes and biochemical indicators of oxidative stress. Short-term laboratory experiments were conducted recreating summer conditions, and two sunscreen concentrations were tested in whole P. oceanica plants placed inside aquaria. Although primary productivity of leaf segments seemed to benefit from sunscreen addition, probably due to inorganic nutrients released, the rest of the biological parameters reflected possible impairments in the overall functioning of P. oceanica as a result of oxidative damages. Chlorophyll production and nitrogen fixation associated with old leaves were inhibited under high sunscreen concentrations, which concurred with elevated reactive oxygen species production, catalase activity and polyphenols content in the seagrass leaves. These results emphasize the importance of directing future investigations on determining which specific components of sunscreen products are likely threatening the wellbeing of critical species, such as P. oceanica.