Effects of Sunscreen Chemicals on Freshwater Algae
Session Number
Project ID: ENVR 04
Advisor(s)
Dr. Jessica Amacher, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ms. Sarah O’Leary-Driscoll, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dr. Melissa Lenczewski, Northern Illinois University
Discipline
Environmental Science
Start Date
17-4-2024 9:40 AM
End Date
17-4-2024 9:55 AM
Abstract
An estimated 229.76 tons of sunscreens are used annually. While the active ingredients in sunscreens are effective in blocking harmful UV irradiation, they have recently been found to be harmful to coral reefs. Sunscreen active ingredients are released into bodies of water via direct human contact, runoff from beach sand, and effluent from wastewater treatment facilities. These chemicals have been found in cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula, presenting a potential ecological hazard to marine and freshwater ecosystems in the area. The cenotes are also a source of drinking water and if contaminated, may pose significant health risks to human populations. Chlorella vulgaris algae is a species of green freshwater algae common in cenotes of the Yucatan peninsula. In this study, C. vulgaris was grown with varying concentrations of Oxybenzone and Octocrylene, two sunscreen active ingredients known to be harmful to aquatic life. The algae was allowed to grow for one week with a range of sunscreen concentrations. Algal growth was measured by spectrophotometry and compared to a control set containing no sunscreen. In this study, it was shown that the concentration of oxybenzone and octocrylene were statistically significant predictors of absorbance values, reflecting algal growth.
Effects of Sunscreen Chemicals on Freshwater Algae
An estimated 229.76 tons of sunscreens are used annually. While the active ingredients in sunscreens are effective in blocking harmful UV irradiation, they have recently been found to be harmful to coral reefs. Sunscreen active ingredients are released into bodies of water via direct human contact, runoff from beach sand, and effluent from wastewater treatment facilities. These chemicals have been found in cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula, presenting a potential ecological hazard to marine and freshwater ecosystems in the area. The cenotes are also a source of drinking water and if contaminated, may pose significant health risks to human populations. Chlorella vulgaris algae is a species of green freshwater algae common in cenotes of the Yucatan peninsula. In this study, C. vulgaris was grown with varying concentrations of Oxybenzone and Octocrylene, two sunscreen active ingredients known to be harmful to aquatic life. The algae was allowed to grow for one week with a range of sunscreen concentrations. Algal growth was measured by spectrophotometry and compared to a control set containing no sunscreen. In this study, it was shown that the concentration of oxybenzone and octocrylene were statistically significant predictors of absorbance values, reflecting algal growth.