Scientists find sunscreen lotion chemical accumulating in Mediterranean seagrass

Scientists have discovered that a sunscreen lotion chemical has been accumulating in seagrass, in the Mediterranean Sea, and have sounded alarm over a potential threat to the marine ecosystem.

Researchers had taken samples of the stems from Posidonia oceanica at three different locations on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca—at the port of the capital Palma, near the port of Alcudia, and at Ses Salines, a “pristine” site with fewer tourists than the others.

In all the samples, they found varying mixtures and concentrations of the sunscreen components oxybenzone, avobenzone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, benzophenone-4, and methyl parabens.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The study has blamed the tourists and portactivities for the chemical discharge into the ocean.

“This marine enclave is impacted by port activities, water discharge and tourism,” said Dr Silvia Díaz Cruz, co-author of the study published in MarinePollutionBulletin, according to The Guardian.

“Since the Mediterranean Sea is shallow, small and very enclosed, concentrations of UV-absorbing chemicals can reach high [levels].”

The researchers are worried about the potential harmful effects on the marine ecosystem even though the full impact of these chemicals on seagrass remains unknown.

“If we find that sunscreens affect the photosynthesis and productivity of seagrasses beyond accumulation, we will have a problem since these seagrasses play important ecological roles in the Mediterranean coasts,” co-author Prof Nona Agawin was quoted as saying.

Hence, the scientists have called on for further research to study the harmful impacts of chemicals in seagrass meadows.

“If we find which sunscreen components are harmful for seagrasses, then we should better regulate and provide alternatives to protect the beach-goers and also the seagrasses,” said Agawin.

(With inputs from agencies)