Environmental impacts of the ultraviolet filter oxybenzone

Organic UV filters are emerging contaminants with increasing evidence of their negative impact on environmental health and water quality. One of the most common and environmentally relevant organic UV filters is oxybenzone (OBZ). While much of the initial focus has been on investigating the interaction of OBZ with coral reefs, there have been several recent studies that indicate that organic UV filters are affecting other environmental endpoints, including marine animals, algae, and plants. OBZ has been found to bioaccumulate in marine animals such as fish and mussels and then potentially acting as an endocrine disruptor. In plants, exposure to OBZ has been associated with decreased photosynthesis, inhibited seed germination, and impaired plant growth. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the environmental impacts of OBZ and suggest potential future directions.

Automated summary

Organic UV filters, such as oxybenzone (OBZ), are emerging contaminants that have a negative impact on environmental health and water quality. While initially focused on the interaction of OBZ with coral reefs, recent studies indicate that organic UV filters affect other environmental endpoints, including marine animals, algae, and plants. OBZ bioaccumulates in marine animals, acting as an endocrine disruptor, and exposure to OBZ inhibits photosynthesis, seed germination, and plant growth in plants. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the environmental impacts of OBZ and suggests potential future directions.