Organic ultraviolet filters in nearshore waters and in the invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) in Grenada, West Indies

Abstract

Sunscreens and other personal care products use organic ultraviolet (UV) filters such as oxybenzone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, Padimate-O, and octyl methoxycinnamate to prevent damage to human skin. While these compounds are effective at preventing sunburn, they have a demonstrated negative effect on cells and tissues across taxonomic levels. These compounds have a relatively short half-life in seawater but are continuously re-introduced via recreational activities and wastewater discharge, making them environmentally persistent. Because of this, testing seawater samples for the presence of these compounds may not be reflective of their abundance in the environment. Bioaccumulation of organic ultraviolet filters in a high-trophic level predator may provide greater insight to the presence and persistence of these compounds. To address this, the present study collected seawater samples as well as muscle and stomach content samples from the invasive Pacific lionfish ( Pterois volitans ) in the nearshore waters of Grenada, West Indies to examine the use of lionfish as potential bioindicator species. Seawater and lionfish samples were collected at four sites that are near point sources of wastewater discharge and that receive a high number of visitors each year. Samples were tested for the presence and concentrations of oxybenzone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), Padimate-O, and octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Oxybenzone residues were detected in 60% of seawater samples and OMC residues were detected in 20% of seawater samples. Seawater samples collected in the surface waters near Grenada’s main beach had oxybenzone concentrations more than ten times higher than seawater samples collected in less frequently visited areas and the highest prevalence of UV filters in lionfish. Residues of oxybenzone were detected in 35% of lionfish muscle and 4-MBC residues were detected in 12% of lionfish muscle. Padimate-O was not detected in either seawater or lionfish samples. No organic UV filters were detected in lionfish stomach contents. Histopathologic examination of lionfish demonstrated no significant findings attributed to UV filter toxicity. These findings report UV filter residue levels for the first time in inshore waters in Grenada. Results indicate that lionfish may be bioaccumulating residues and may be a useful sentinel model for monitoring organic ultraviolet filters in the Caribbean Sea.

A Critical Review of Organic Ultraviolet Filter Exposure, Hazard, and Risk to Corals

“…Occurrence of organic UV filters in seawater near coral reefs. The occurrence (exposure) data for UV filters in seawater near coral reefs are mainly shallow and nearshore; 2 studies (Tsui et al 2017;Horricks et al 2019) reported concentrations at the depth of the coral, and an additional 3 studies collected surface microlayer samples (Goksøyr et al 2009;Bargar et al 2015;Schaap and Slijkerman 2018). In total, the occurrence of 14 UV filters has been investigated, with BP-3 being the only compound to be included in all studies (see Supplemental Data, Table S2).…”

“…The type of sediment sampled may also play a role. For example, Horricks et al (2019). 1) Six values fell between the limit of detection (100 ng/L) and the limit of quantification (5000 ng/L); 2) 36 samples were collected, but the paper only reported median, range, and detection frequency.…”

Lionfish (Pterois volitans) as biomonitoring species for oil pollution effects in coral reef ecosystems

“…But no information on potential oil or PAH effects were reported, and further inquiry with the authors did not reveal any additional observations in lionfish of effects that could be attributed to exposure to oil compounds. In a recent study by Horricks et al (2019) results are reported that indicate that lionfish are bioaccumulating residues of ultraviolet filters that are commonly used in sunscreen lotions, and that lionfish may therefore be a useful sentinel species for monitoring these organic ultraviolet filters in the Caribbean Sea.…”

Biodegradation of two organic UV-Filters by single bacteria strains

“…The major concern regarding these chemical compounds is related to the easiness with which they can bioaccumulate in living organisms, especially due to the negative properties they can have: alter sex hormonal balance, affect endocrine signaling and impede reproductive capacity. In the last decade, organic UV-lters were discovered more often bioaccumulated in aquatic organisms, such as: coral (Tsui et al, 2017;Fel et al, 2019;Mitchelmore et al, 2019;He et al, 2019;Stien et al, 2020), dolphin (Alonso et al, 2015;Gago-Ferrero et al, 2013a) shes (Horricks et al, 2019;Araújo et al, 2018;Lu et al, 2018;Gago-Ferrerro et al, 2015), algae (Teoh et al, 2020;Zhong et al, 2019;Mao et al, 2017;Mao et al, 2018;Seoane et al, 2017), benthic mollusks (Vidal-Linan et al, 2018;Giraldo 2017).…”