Adverse Effects of Octocrylene on Cultivated and Spontaneous Plants and in Soil Animal

Octocrylene is recurrently released into the environment from different sources. However, studies on the action of this sunscreen on plants and soil animals are initial. We evaluated the potential of this compound, at concentrations 10, 100, and 1000 mu g/L, to cause phytotoxicity and oxidative stress in plants exposed to the sunscreen for 5 days, as well as the mortality rate and oxidative stress in Eisenia fetida exposed to the sunscreen for 14 days. The concentrations did not affect germination and root growth in Cucumis sativus. In Taraxacum officinale, they did not allow root elongation, and in Lactuca sativa, Avenua fatua, Lycopersicum esculentum, and Daurus carota, they significantly reduced seed germination and root growth, proving to be phytotoxic. For DPPH and FC tests, in L. sativa, A. fatua, L. esculentum, and D. carota, an increase in phytochemicals was observed in the roots, which suggests an oxidative effect of octocrylene. The roots of these four species had their defense system impaired by the sunscreen, mainly due to the production of OH- radicals in the cells. There was no lipid peroxidation in the roots, showing that octocrylene acted on proteins, such as those linked to cell division. The sunscreen did not cause death in earthworms, but it increased the production of OH- in their cells at the evaluated concentrations. Furthermore, octocrylene at 100 and 1000 mu g/L caused lipid peroxidation in the animals. Octocrylene demonstrates danger to soil organisms, as well as urgency in regulating its release into the environment.

Automated summary

Octocrylene, a compound commonly found in sunscreen, has potential phytotoxicity and oxidative stress effects on plants and soil animals. It negatively affects seed germination and root growth in some plant species and impairs their defense systems against oxidative damage. In soil animals, octocrylene increases oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in their cells. Therefore, regulation of octocrylene release into the environment is urgently needed.