UV Filters Research Articles

Toxicity of the sunscreen UV filter benzophenone-3 (OBZ) to the microalga Selenastrum capricornutum: An insight into OBZ’s damage to photosynthesis and respiration

Oxybenzone (OBZ; benzophenone-3, CAS# 131–57–7), as a new pollutant and ultraviolet absorbent, shows a significant threat to the survival of phytoplankton. This study aims to explore the acute toxic effects of OBZ on the growth of the microalga Selenastrum capricornutum, as well as the mechanisms for its damage to the primary metabolic pathways of photosynthesis and respiration. The results demonstrated that the concentrations for 50 % of maximal effect (EC50) of OBZ for S. capricornutum were 9.07 mg L−1 and 8.54 mg L−1 at 72 h and 96 h, respectively. A dosage of 4.56 mg L−1 OBZ significantly lowered the photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate of S. capricornutum in both light and dark conditions for a duration of 2 h, while it had no effect on the respiratory oxygen consumption rate under darkness. OBZ caused a significant decline in the efficiency of photosynthetic electron transport due to its damage to photosystem II (PSII), thereby decreasing the photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate. Over-accumulated H2O2 was produced under light due to the damage caused by OBZ to the donor and acceptor sides of PSII, resulting in increased peroxidation of cytomembranes and inhibition of algal respiration. OBZ’s damage to photosynthesis and respiration will hinder the conversion and reuse of energy in algal cells, which is an important reason that OBZ has toxic effects on S. capricornutum. The present study indicated that OBZ has an acute toxic effect on the microalga S. capricornutum. In the two most important primary metabolic pathways in algae, photosynthesis is more sensitive to the toxicity of OBZ than respiration, especially in the dark.

Adsorbates Engineering on ZnO for Ultraviolet Light Activation–free Organic Photovoltaic Modules

Ultraviolet (UV) light is typically needed to activate inverted organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices with zinc oxide (ZnO) as electron transporting layer (ETL) for enhanced efficiency. Given that UV light may cause the degradation of active layers and interfaces, and considering the absence of UV light in typical indoor lighting, addressing the need of UV light activation for ZnO becomes paramount. Herein, we report the engineering of adsorbates on ZnO could solve this issue by increasing the annealing temperature and changing the recipe of ZnO. Increasing the content of O 1s at binding energy of 531 eV on ZnO in X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy would be beneficial to alleviate the need of UV light activation. For the (ZnO)PEIE (zinc acetate dihydrate (ZAH) and polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) dissolved in 2‐methoxyethanol, PEIE used to provide amine in the precursor), annealing at 180 °C would eliminated S‐shape in the current density‐voltage (J‐V) characteristics without UV light activation. For traditional recipe of (ZnO)EA (ZAH and ethanolamine dissolved in 2‐methoxyethanol, ethanolamine used to provide amine in the precursor), annealing at 320 °C following by additional 0.1 wt% aqueous PEIE modification could reach the similar effect to the (ZnO)PEIE. OPV modules (9.8 cm2) with 180 °C annealed (ZnO)PEIE as ETL showed high photovoltaic performance under light conditions without UV: VOC = 4.73 V JSC = 16.3 μA/cm2, FF = 67.9% and PCE = 18.2% under LED (2700 K) condition at 1000 lux (light intensity of 288 μW/cm2); VOC = 5.76 V JSC = 2.8 mA/cm2, FF = 72.1% and PCE = 14.8% tested under 1 sun with the UV filter (light intensity of 0.788 sun). These high efficiencies were achieved in the modules without the need for UV light activation.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Comprehensive assessment of the UV-filter 2-ethylhexyl salicylate and its phase I/II metabolites in urine by extended enzymatic hydrolysis and on-line SPE LC-MS/MS

2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) is used as a UV filter in personal-care products, such as sunscreen, to prevent skin damage through UV radiation. The application of EHS-containing products leads to systemic EHS absorption, metabolization and excretion. To measure EHS and its corresponding metabolite levels in urine, a comprehensive analytical procedure based on an extended enzymatic hydrolysis, on-line-SPE, and UPLC-MS/MS was developed. The method covers a large profile of seven metabolites (including isomeric structures) as well as EHS itself in a run time only of 18 min. Easy sample preparation, consisting of a 2-h hydrolysis step, followed by on-line enrichment and purification, add to the efficiency of the method. An update, compared to a previous method for the determination of EHS and metabolites in urine, is that, during hydrolysis, both glucuronide and sulfate conjugates are considered. The method was furthermore applied to urine samples after a real-life exposure scenario to EHS-containing sunscreen. The method is highly sensitive with limits of detection ranging from 6 to 65 ng/L. Moreover, it is characterized by good precision data, accuracy, and robustness to matrix influences. Application of the method to urine samples following dermal exposure to an EHS-containing sunscreen revealed EHS as the main biomarker after dermal exposure, followed by the major biomarkers 5OH-EHS, 5cx-EPS, 4OH-EHS and 5oxo-EHS. The expansion and optimization of this method decisively contributes to the research on the dermal metabolism of EHS and can be applied in exposure studies and for human biomonitoring.

Exposure to UV-B filter octylmethoxycinnamate and human health effects: Focus on endocrine disruptor actions

Human skin is the first line of photoprotection against UV radiation. However, despite having its defence mechanisms, the photoprotection that the skin exerts is not enough. To protect human skin, the inclusion of UV filters in the cosmetic industry has grown significantly as a photoprotection strategy. Octylmethoxycinnamate, also designated by octinoxate, or 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (CAS number: 5466-77-3) is one of the most widely used UV-B filter in the cosmetic industry. The toxic effects of OMC have alarmed the public, but there is still no consensus in the scientific community about its use. This article aims to provide an overview of the UV filters' photoprotection, emphasizing the OMC and the possible negative effects it may have on the public health. Moreover, the current legislation will be addressed. In summary, the recommendations should be rethought to assess their risk-benefit, since the existing literature warns us to endocrine-disrupting effects of OMC. Further studies should be focus on the toxicity of OMC alone, in mixture and should consider its degradation products, to improve the knowledge of its risk assessment as EDC.

Measuring U.S. Consumer Sunscreen Application at Home and Online: Optimizing Our Methods to Determine Sunscreen Application Thickness for Improved Environmental Emissions Estimates

Ultraviolet (UV) filters are chemical ingredients used in sunscreen products to protect the skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation and have come under scrutiny due to concerns of potential aquatic impacts after direct release to the environment. UV filter emissions to the environment are directly influenced by the amount and frequency of sunscreen products applied by consumers. Previous research indicates that consumers have not applied adequate sunscreen thicknesses for several decades. Thus, comprehensive research is needed to investigate a more representative sunscreen application thickness to better estimate UV filter emissions from sunscreen products. A home use study and an online survey was conducted to better estimate sunscreen application thickness potentially exhibited by the general population both during daily skincare routine and when going to the beach. A secondary objective was to further improve the consumer survey method for estimating sunscreen application thickness. During their daily activities, the results of the home usage test suggest that people are applying 0.89 mg/cm2 to their face and 0.85 mg/cm2 to their body on average. Using an online survey to reach a larger sample of the population, the results were higher than the home use study with people applying on average 1.09 and 1.60 mg/cm2 to their face and body, respectively, as part of a regular skincare routine and on average 1.27 and 1.67 mg/cm2 to their face and body, respectively, when planning a day at the beach. The data generated from this study can be used in environmental emissions assessments of UV filters in sunscreen products to provide more realistic and representative estimates. In addition, the online survey instrument developed as part of this research can be used to further investigate sunscreen habits and practices that influence the amount and frequency of sunscreen used by people participating in recreational activities.

Inorganic UV filter-based sunscreens labelled as eco-friendly threaten sea urchin populations

Although the negative effects of inorganic UV filters have been documented on several marine organisms, sunscreen products containing such filters are available in the market and proposed as eco-friendly substitutes for harmful, and already banned, organic UV filters (e.g. octinoxate and oxybenzone). In the present study, we investigated the effects of four sunscreen products, labelled by cosmetic companies as “eco-friendly”, on the early developmental stages of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, a keystone species occurring in vulnerable coastal habitats. Among sunscreens tested, those containing ZnO and TiO2 or their mix caused severe impacts on sea urchin embryos. We show that inorganic UV filters were incorporated by larvae during their development and, despite the activation of defence strategies (e.g. phagocytosis by coelomocytes), generated anomalies such as skeletal malformations and tissue necrosis. Conversely, the sunscreen product containing only new-generation organic UV filters (e.g. methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethyl, ethylhexyl triazone, butylphenol diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate) did not affect sea urchins, thus resulting actually eco-compatible. Our findings expand information on the impact of inorganic UV filters on marine life, corroborate the need to improve the eco-friendliness assessment of sunscreen products and warn of the risk of bioaccumulation and potential biomagnification of inorganic UV filters along the marine food chain.

Hubble Space Telescope Images of SN 1987A: Evolution of the Ejecta and the Equatorial Ring from 2009 to 2022

Supernova (SN) 1987A offers a unique opportunity to study how a spatially resolved SN evolves into a young SN remnant. We present and analyze Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging observations of SN 1987A obtained in 2022 and compare them with HST observations from 2009 to 2021. These observations allow us to follow the evolution of the equatorial ring (ER), the rapidly expanding ejecta, and emission from the center over a wide range in wavelength from 2000 to 11,000 Å. The ER has continued to fade since it reached its maximum ∼8200 days after the explosion. In contrast, the ejecta brightened until day ∼11,000 before their emission levelled off; the west side brightened more than the east side, which we attribute to the stronger X-ray emission by the ER on that side. The asymmetric ejecta expand homologously in all filters, which are dominated by various emission lines from hydrogen, calcium, and iron. From this overall similarity, we infer the ejecta are chemically well mixed on large scales. The exception is the diffuse morphology observed in the UV filters dominated by emission from the Mg ii resonance lines that get scattered before escaping. The 2022 observations do not show any sign of the compact object that was inferred from highly ionized emission near the remnant’s center observed with JWST. We determine an upper limit on the flux from a compact central source in the [O iii] HST image. The nondetection of this line indicates that the S and Ar lines observed with JWST originate from the O free inner Si–S–Ar-rich zone and/or that the observed [O iii] flux is strongly affected by dust scattering.

From cradle to grave: Deciphering sex-specific disruptions of the nervous and reproductive systems through interactions of 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and nanoplastics in adult zebrafish

4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are common in personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) and consumer goods; however, they have become pervasive environmental contaminants. MNPs serve as carriers of 4-MBC in both PCCPs and the environment. Our previous study demonstrated that 4-MBC induces estrogenic effects in zebrafish larvae. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the sex- and tissue-specific accumulation and potential toxicities of chronic coexposure to 4-MBC and MNPs. Herein, adult zebrafish were exposed to environmentally realistic concentrations of 4-MBC (0, 0.4832, and 4,832μg/L), with or without polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 50nm, 1.0mg/L) for 21 days. Sex-specific accumulation was observed, with higher concentrations in female brains, while males exhibited comparable accumulation in the liver, testes, and brain. Coexposure to PS-NPs intensified the 4-MBC burden in all tested tissues. Dual-omics analysis (transcriptomics and proteomics) revealed dysfunctions in neuronal differentiation, death, and reproduction. 4-MBC-co-PS-NP exposure disrupted the brain histopathology more severely than exposure to 4-MBC alone, inducing sex-specific neurotoxicity and reproductive disruptions. Female zebrafish exhibited autism spectrum disorder-like behavior and disruption of vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation, while male zebrafish showed Parkinson's-like behavior and spermatogenesis disruption. Our findings highlight that PS-NPs enhance tissue accumulation of 4-MBC, leading to sex-specific impairments in the nervous and reproductive systems of zebrafish. Environmental implicationMicro/nanoplastics (MNPs), along with the UV filter 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), are consistently released into aquatic ecosystems, presenting potential risks to both wildlife and human. In addition to their inherent characteristics, MNPs act as carriers for 4-MBC in both personal care and cosmetic products and the environment, raising concerns about their status as emerging environmental pollutants. The long-term toxicity of lower concentrations of 4-MBC and MNPs and their subsequent impact on aquatic organisms are not yet fully understood. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the role of nanoplastics in exacerbating the neurotoxic and reproductive effects of 4-MBC within ecosystems.

Types of ultraviolet filters and their combination used in sunscreen determine the appropriate sun protection factor values in vivo

Background The application of sunscreen has been shown to prevent the detrimental effects of ultraviolet. The effectiveness of a sunscreen formulation protection against ultraviolet B is measured by sun protection factor (SPF) and its value determined by in vivo testing is still the gold standard. The consistency between the in vivo and in vitro SPF values is still interesting to investigate, including the influencing factors. Objective To analyze the correlation between the products’ manufacturer estimation in vitro SPF value with the in vivo SPF value and assessing determinant factors that may influence the in vivo SPF value. Patients and methods Ten sunscreen products from various manufacturers were tested in vivo using The European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (COLIPA) method. All the tested products in this study have the manufacturer’s estimated SPF value determined based on in vitro test conducted by the manufacturer. The Spearman correlation test was used for data analysis. Results All sunscreen products had the estimated SPF values of 30 and 50, for five products each. Nine products were in cream formulations and one in lotion formulation, as ‘day cream’ and ‘BB cream,’ respectively. Six sunscreen products had lower in vivo SPF values compared with the manufacturer’s SPF value estimation, whereas four products had shown higher values. Although statistical analysis showed P value of 0.63 that indicates no significant correlation between both of the SPF values. Several products with the appropriate and higher in vivo SPF values contain octocrylene as a photostabilizer and additional coating materials such as stearic acid, aluminum hydroxide, and alumina. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the appropriateness of the in vivo SPF value to in vitro-estimated SPF value may be influenced by the photostabilizer substance and combination with additional coating materials also can increase stability and efficacy of the products.

Dangers of Oxybenzone in Sunscreens on Coral Reefs: Proposed Policy Approaches

Sunscreen was developed to combat the harmful effects of skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation, but organic UV filters like oxybenzone pose a threat to coral reefs by promoting bleaching incidents, damaging coral DNA, and interfering with coral larvae. Oxybenzone has also been found to cause a wide range of reproductive and developmental harm within other marine organisms, like fish and invertebrates. While there are alternative sunscreens that are less detrimental to coral such as mineral-based products, toxic oxybenzone-based sunscreens are still popular among cosmetic companies and consumers. Scientific findings in the past decade have demonstrated a connection between high concentrations of chemical UV filters and the destruction of marine ecosystems. This knowledge has prompted some governments in coastal regions to pass legislation aiming to limit the use of sunscreens containing these chemicals. These regulations provide beneficial case studies that can be used to develop further effective policies to federally ban these products in the United States. The jurisdictions of Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, and Key West are model examples of successful implementation of such laws domestically. Based on efforts from such coastal communities, our suggested best practices to eliminate the threat posed by harmful sunscreens are to promote alternative sunscreen use, to define ‘reef-safe’ within the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides, and to impose a nationwide ban on oxybenzone. These recommendations provide a comprehensive plan to protect the United States’ fragile marine ecosystems.

Organic UV filters: Occurrence, risks and (anti-)progestogenic activities in samples from the Czech aquatic environment and their bioaccumulation in fish

The occurrence, environmental risks and contribution of organic UV filters to detected (anti-)progestogenic activities were examined in samples of wastewater treatment plant influents and effluents, various surface waters and fish from the Czech Republic. Of the 20 targeted UV filters, 15 were detected in the WWTP influent samples, 11 in the effluents, and 13 in the surface water samples. Benzophenone-3, benzophenone-4, and phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid (PBSA) were found in all water samples. Octocrylene, UV-327 and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor exceeded the risk quotient of 1 at some sites. In the anti-progestogenic CALUX assay, 10 out of the 20 targeted UV filters were active. Anti-progestogenic activities reaching up to 7.7 ng/L, 3.8 ng/L, and 4.5 ng/L mifepristone equivalents were detected in influents, effluents, and surface waters, respectively. UV filters were responsible for up to 37 % of anti-progestogenic activities in influents. Anti-progestogenic activities were also measured in fish tissues from the control pond and Podroužek (pond with the highest number of detected UV filters) and ranged from 2.2 to 9.5 and 1.9 to 8.6 ng/g dw mifepristone equivalents, respectively. However, only benzophenone was found in fish, but it does not display anti-progestogenic activity and thus could not explain the observed activities.

Removal of benzophenone-4 via chlorination and advanced oxidation processes in aqueous solution: kinetics, by-product identification, and mechanistic studies.

Benzophenone-4 (BP-4) is one of the UV filters widely used in personal care products (PCPs). BP-4 has been identified as an emergent contaminant detected in influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) at high concentrations showing that conventional treatment is unable to remove it, subsequently, the presence of BP-4 in surface water is inevitable. In this study, we focus on the degradation of this compound by chlorine, and we report the efficiency of its removal from water by applying two advanced oxidation processes UV/TiO2 and UV/H2O2 aiming to achieve a superior mineralization result. The study was performed in purified water (pH = 6.5, temperature = 25 °C) with an initial concentration of BP-4 similar to that detected in WWTPs (10 mg/L). The results showed that 76% of BP-4 was degraded after 80 min of reaction with chlorine leading to the formation of one by-product persistent in the solution. The oxidation by UV/TiO2 and UV/H2O2 led to a total removal of BP-4 and their generated by-products after 50 and 10 min of reactions, respectively. The kinetic study showed that BP-4 degradation by UV/H2O2 and UV/TiO2 followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics and the apparent rate constants (kapp) were determined to be 0.48 min-1 and 0.08 min-1, respectively. The degradation of BP-4 by chlorine followed first-order reaction kinetics with kapp = 0.02 min-1. The identification of by-product structures was performed using liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS. The fragmentation of BP-4 and by-product ions at different collision energies allowed to propose the pathways of degradation and to predict the toxicity using a silico toxicity program which confirmed a higher toxicity of all generated by-products.

A Survey of UV Filters Used in Sunscreen Cosmetics

The aim of this study was to determine the types of UV filters used in adult and children’s sunscreen products sold in Poland (part of the EU market) and their frequency of use. The INCI compositions of sunscreen products were collected and analyzed for the presence of UV filters. The study included 150 randomly selected preparations for adults (from 71 brands) and 50 for children (from 33 brands). The survey concerned the UV filters listed in Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products. The most frequently used UV filters in the child sunscreens were triazine derivatives: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (60.0%) and ethylhexyl triazone (52.0%), and ethylhexyl salicylate (46.0%), a derivative of salicylic acid. The most common in adult sunscreens were butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (56.0%), a dibenzoylmethane derivative, followed by the salicylic acid derivative ethylhexyl salicylate (54.7%) and the triazine derivatives bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (54.7%) and ethylhexyl triazone (50.0%). Physical filters, including their nano and non-nano forms, were more popular in sunscreens for children, i.e., 50.0% (TiO2) and 22.0% (ZnO), than for adults: 21.3% (TiO2) and 6.7% (ZnO). For both adults and children, many cosmetic products contained four or five UV filters per preparation; however, the child preparations often used two UV filters. To summarize, the following UV filters dominate in photoprotectors for both adults and children: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, ethylhexyl triazone, ethylhexyl salicylate, and diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate.

An evaluation of dogs’ exposure to benzophenones through hair sample analysis

Abstract Introduction Benzophenones (BPs) are used in various branches of industry as ultraviolet radiation filters, but they pollute the natural environment, penetrate living organisms, and disrupt endocrine balance. Knowledge of the exposure of domestic animals to these substances is extremely scant. The aim of the study was to investigate long-term exposure of companion dogs to BPs and relate this to environmental factors. Material and Methods Hair samples taken from 50 dogs and 50 bitches from under 2 to over 10 years old were analysed for BP content with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Results The results revealed that dogs are most often exposed to 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3) and 4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1). Concentration levels of BP-3 above the method quantification limit (MQL) were noted in 100% of the samples and fluctuated from 4.75 ng/g to 1,765 ng/g. In turn, concentration levels of BP-1 above the MQL were noted in 37% of the samples and ranged from <0.50 ng/g to 666 ng/g. Various factors (such as the use of hygiene and care products and the dog’s diet) were found to affect BP concentration levels. Higher levels of BP-3 were observed in castrated/spayed animals and in animals that required veterinary intervention more often. Conclusion The results obtained show that the analysis of hair samples may be a useful matrix for biomonitoring BPs in dogs, and that these substances may be toxic to them.

UV filters in beach sands from beaches along the Atlantic Ocean coastline in Lagos, Nigeria: Occurrence and risk assessment

Ultra violet (UV) filters are commonly used as ingredients in sunscreens and cosmetics to protect skin or hair against sun damage, and also in industrial products to prevent photo-degradation. In spite of the benefits provided, some UV filters pose serious threats to the environment. There is currently little information on the occurrence and potential ecological risk of UV filters in beach sands. We investigated, for the first time, the occurrence and ecological risk of seven UV filters in beach sands (offshore, shoreline and sand dune samples) of selected beaches along the Atlantic Ocean coastline in Lagos, Nigeria. Sample extraction and analysis were carried out by ultrasonic-assisted extraction and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Overall recoveries ranged from 91% for benzophenone-3 (BP-3) to 109% for 2-ethylhexylsalicylate (EHS) at the spiking concentration 125ng.g-1. Limits of detection ranged between 5.0ng.g-1 (for BP-3) to 54.3ng/g (EHS). Although all studied UV filters were detected in the sand dune sample of Oniru beach and four compounds in Elegushi beach sand dune, none of the UV filters was detected in the beach sands (offshore, shoreline and sand dune samples) collected from Landmark and Lekki Leisure beaches. The highest concentrations of the UV filters were all found in Oniru beach sand dune, up to 191ng.g-1 for p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) which was detected in beach sands for the first time. BP-3, EHS, 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC), 3-(4-methylbenzylidene) camphor (4-MBC) and octocrylene (OCR) were likely to cause adverse effects to benthic/pelagic organisms.

Changes in life history parameters and expression of key genes of Brachionus plicatilis exposed to a combination of organic and inorganic ultraviolet filters

The increasing use of ultraviolet filters has become an emerging contaminant on the coast, posing potential ecological risks. Rotifers are essential components of marine ecosystems, serving as an association between primary producers and higher-level consumers. These organisms frequently encounter ultraviolet filters in coastal waters. This study aimed to assess the comprehensive effects of organic ultraviolet filters, specifically 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC), and inorganic ultraviolet filters, namely, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), on the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. We exposed B. plicatilis to multiple combinations of different concentrations of EHMC and TiO2 NPs to observe changes in life history parameters and the expression of genes related to reproduction and antioxidant responses. Our findings indicated that increased EHMC concentrations significantly delayed the age at first reproduction, reduced the total offspring, and led to considerable alterations in the expression of genes associated with reproduction and stress. Exposure to TiO2 NPs resulted in earlier reproduction and decreased total offspring, although these changes were not synchronised in gene expression. The two ultraviolet filters had a significant interaction on the age at first reproduction and the total offspring of rotifer, with these interactions extending to the first generation. This research offers new insights into the comprehensive effects of different types of ultraviolet filters on rotifers by examining life history parameters and gene expression related to reproduction and stress, highlighting the importance of understanding the impacts of sunscreen products on zooplankton health.

An investigation of the binding of two cinnamate UV filters to bovine serum albumin separately and simultaneously

A study of the separate/simultaneous interaction mechanism between two common cinnamate ultraviolet filters (UVFs), Octtocrylene (OC) and 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC), with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was conducted. Both OC and EM can bind to BSA. A more obvious fluorescence quenching effect was observed with EHMC on BSA, as well as a stronger affinity for BSA and a greater effect on the amino acid microenvironment. UVFs and BSA's binding constants were decreased when EHMC and OC interacted simultaneously with BSA, while the distance between UVFs and BSA was increased. Coexistence affected both OC and EHMC, making them less able to binding to BSA. While binding simultaneously to EHMC and OC, BSA's secondary structure underwent significant changes.

Identification of hazardous organic compounds in e-waste plastic using non-target and suspect screening approaches

End-of-life electric and electronic devices stand as one of the fastest growing wastes in the world and, therefore, a rapidly escalating global concern. A relevant fraction of these wastes corresponds to polymeric materials containing a plethora of chemical additives. Some of those additives fall within the category of hazardous organic compounds (HOCs). Despite the significant advances in the capabilities of analytical methods, the comprehensive characterization of WEEE plastic remains as a challenge. This research strives to identify the primary additives within WEEE polymers by implementing a non-target and suspect screening approach. Gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF-MS), using electron ionization (EI), was applied for the detection and identification of more than 300 substances in this matrix. A preliminary comparison was carried out with nominal resolution EI-MS spectra contained in the NIST17 library. BPA, flame retardants, UV-filters, PAHs, and preservatives were among the compounds detected. Fifty-one out of 300 compounds were confirmed by comparison with authentic standards. The study establishes a comprehensive database containing m/z ratios and accurate mass spectra of characteristic compounds, encompassing HOCs. Semi-quantification of the predominant additives was conducted across 48 WEEE samples collected from handling and dismantling facilities in Galicia. ABS plastic demonstrated the highest median concentrations, ranging from 0.154 to 4,456 μg g-1, being brominated flame retardants and UV filters, the families presenting the highest concentrations. Internet router devices revealed the highest concentrations, containing a myriad of HOCs, such as tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tribromophenol (TBrP), triphenylphosphate (TPhP), tinuvin P and bisphenol A (BPA), most of which are restricted in Europe.

Evaluation of acute toxicity of an emerging contaminant Oxybenzone on an ecologically important aquatic macrophyte Lemna minor

Evaluation of acute toxicity of an emerging contaminant Oxybenzone on an ecologically important aquatic macrophyte Lemna minor

Female offspring of mice perinatally exposed to benzophenone-3 showed early subfertility linked to a poor oocyte stockpile.

Previously, we found that the ultraviolet filter benzophenone-3 (BP3) causes fetal growth restriction in mice when is applied when implantation occurs (first week of gestation). However, whether BP3 can affect gestation and fertility after implantation period is unknown. We aimed to study the effects on reproductive physiology of the offspring caused by perinatal exposure to BP3. C57BL/6 pregnant mice were dermally exposed to 50mg BP3/kg bw.day or olive oil (vehicle) from gestation day 9 (gd9) to postnatal day 21 (pnd1). We observed no differences in mother's weights, duration of gestation, number of pups per mother, onset of puberty or sex ratio. The weights of the pups exposed to benzophenone-3 were transiently lower than those of the control. Estrous cycle was not affected by perinatal exposure to BP3. Besides, we performed a fertility assessment by continuous breeding protocol: at 10weeks of age, one F1 female and one F1 male mouse from each group was randomly chosen from each litter and housed together for a period of 6months. We noticed a reduction in the number of deliveries per mother among dams exposed to BP3 during the perinatal period. To see if this decreased fertility could be associated to an early onset of oocytes depletion, we estimated the ovarian reserve of germ cells. We found reduced number of oocytes and primordial follicles in BP3. In conclusion, perinatal exposure to BP3 leads to a decline in the reproductive capacity of female mice in a continuous breeding protocol linked to oocyte depletion.