Pollution patterns and underlying relationships of benzophenone-type UV-filters in wastewater treatment plants and their receiving surface water

Occurrence and risks of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and endocrine-disrupting compounds in Chinese surface waters

The continuous and rapid increase of chemical pollution in surface waters has become a pressing and widely recognized global concern. As emerging contaminants (ECs) in surface waters, pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), and endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) have attracted considerable attention due to their wide occurrence and potential threat to human health. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the occurrence and risks of ECs in Chinese surface waters is urgently required. This study summarizes and assesses the environmental occurrence concentrations and ecological risks of 42 pharmaceuticals, 15 personal care products (PCPs), and 20 EDCs frequently detected in Chinese surface waters. The ECs were primarily detected in China's densely populated and highly industrialized regions. Most detected PPCPs and EDCs had concentrations between ng/L to µg/L, whereas norfloxacin, caffeine, and erythromycin had relatively high contamination levels, even exceeding 2000 ng/L. Risk evaluation based on the risk quotient method revealed that 34 PPCPs and EDCs in Chinese surface waters did not pose a significant risk, whereas 4-nonylphenol, 4-tert-octylphenol, 17α-ethinyl estradiol, 17β-estradiol, and triclocarban did. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the occurrence and associated hazards of typical PPCPs and EDCs in Chinese surface waters over the past decade, and will aid in the regulation and control of these ECs in Chinese surface waters.

Toxicity of the sunscreen UV filter benzophenone-3 (OBZ) to the microalga Selenastrum capricornutum: An insight into OBZ's damage to photosynthesis and respiration

Oxybenzone (OBZ; benzophenone-3, CAS# 131-57-7), as a new pollutant and ultraviolet absorbent, shows a significant threat to the survival of phytoplankton. This study aims to explore the acute toxic effects of OBZ on the growth of the microalga Selenastrum capricornutum, as well as the mechanisms for its damage to the primary metabolic pathways of photosynthesis and respiration. The results demonstrated that the concentrations for 50 % of maximal effect (EC50) of OBZ for S. capricornutum were 9.07 mg L-1 and 8.54 mg L-1 at 72 h and 96 h, respectively. A dosage of 4.56 mg L-1 OBZ significantly lowered the photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate of S. capricornutum in both light and dark conditions for a duration of 2 h, while it had no effect on the respiratory oxygen consumption rate under darkness. OBZ caused a significant decline in the efficiency of photosynthetic electron transport due to its damage to photosystem II (PSII), thereby decreasing the photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate. Over-accumulated H2O2 was produced under light due to the damage caused by OBZ to the donor and acceptor sides of PSII, resulting in increased peroxidation of cytomembranes and inhibition of algal respiration. OBZ's damage to photosynthesis and respiration will hinder the conversion and reuse of energy in algal cells, which is an important reason that OBZ has toxic effects on S. capricornutum. The present study indicated that OBZ has an acute toxic effect on the microalga S. capricornutum. In the two most important primary metabolic pathways in algae, photosynthesis is more sensitive to the toxicity of OBZ than respiration, especially in the dark.

Organic UV filters: Occurrence, risks and (anti-)progestogenic activities in samples from the Czech aquatic environment and their bioaccumulation in fish

The occurrence, environmental risks and contribution of organic UV filters to detected (anti-)progestogenic activities were examined in samples of wastewater treatment plant influents and effluents, various surface waters and fish from the Czech Republic. Of the 20 targeted UV filters, 15 were detected in the WWTP influent samples, 11 in the effluents, and 13 in the surface water samples. Benzophenone-3, benzophenone-4, and phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid (PBSA) were found in all water samples. Octocrylene, UV-327 and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor exceeded the risk quotient of 1 at some sites. In the anti-progestogenic CALUX assay, 10 out of the 20 targeted UV filters were active. Anti-progestogenic activities reaching up to 7.7 ng/L, 3.8 ng/L, and 4.5 ng/L mifepristone equivalents were detected in influents, effluents, and surface waters, respectively. UV filters were responsible for up to 37 % of anti-progestogenic activities in influents. Anti-progestogenic activities were also measured in fish tissues from the control pond and Podroužek (pond with the highest number of detected UV filters) and ranged from 2.2 to 9.5 and 1.9 to 8.6 ng/g dw mifepristone equivalents, respectively. However, only benzophenone was found in fish, but it does not display anti-progestogenic activity and thus could not explain the observed activities.

Proposal for priority emerging pollutants in the Nakdong river, Korea: Application of EU watch list mechanisms

The Nakdong River, the longest in Korea, has received numerous pollutants from heavily industrialized and densely populated areas while being used as a drinking water source. A number of research have reported occurrences of emerging pollutants (EPs) in the river. The results requested efficient monitoring and systematic management strategies such as EU watch list under Water Framework Directive. The aim of this study is to propose a watch list through preliminary monitoring of the river and risk-based prioritization approach. As candidates for monitoring target, 632 substances were selected based on literature and database searches. Among them, 175 substances were subjected to target screening method whereas 457 were evaluated via suspect screening. A risk-based prioritization was applied to substances quantified through target screening based on concentrations, and a scoring-based prioritization was applied to substances tentatively identified through suspect screening. Sampling campaigns (n = 12) were conducted from October 2020 to September 2021, at 8 sampling sites along the river. As a result, 130 target substances were quantified above the LOQ. Among the 21 substances whose priority score was assigned through risk-based prioritization, telmisartan and iprobenfos were identified with very high environmental risk while candesartan, TBEP, imidacloprid, azithromycin and clotrimazole were classified with high or intermediate risk. As result of the scoring system for 39 tentatively identified substances, 6 substances (benzophenone, caprolactam, metolachlor oxanilic acid, heptaethylene glycol, octaethylene glycol and pentaethylene glycol), which were then confirmed with reference standards, showed a potential environmental risk. Those substances prioritized through target and suspect screening followed by scoring systems can be a subset for the watch list and potential targets for nationwide water quality monitoring program in the future.

Self-assembled Fe3O4-NH2 @g-C3N4 composite for magnetic solid-phase extraction of benzophenones in sea water and lake water coupled with LC-MS/MS determination

Magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) was developed based on a well-designed Fe3O4-NH2 @g-C3N4 nanocomposite as sorbent for a mixture of six benzophenones (BPs) in environmental water samples. The composite fabricated via in-situ self-assembled g-C3N4 shell with homogeneous polymerization of cyanuric chloride and cyanuric acid on Fe3O4-NH2 core. While high adsorption capacity was derived from g-C3N4 via hydrophobic, π-π and hydrogen bonding interactions to the targets, the fast magnetic separation was realized with Fe3O4 core for less solvent consumption. In combination with LC-MS/MS, the Fe3O4-NH2 @g-C3N4 sorbent minimized the interfering components, reduced the matrix effects, and provided the enrichment factors of 121-150 for six BPs with relative standard deviations ≤ 9.7% even after 20 times extraction-desorption cycles. The present method gave the detection limits of 0.3-2.5 ng/L for six BPs with the linear ranges of 1.0-2000 ng/L, and the recoveries of 84.6%-104% in sea water and 86.2%-107% in lake water samples. Thus, the Fe3O4-NH2 @g-C3N4-based MSPE coupled with LC-MS/MS method provided a convenient, efficient, and reliable alternative to monitor trace BPs in environmental water samples.

UV filters in everyday cosmetic products, a comparative study

Today, UV filters are found as contaminants in a variety of biological fluids and environment, e.g. in vegetable crops and surface water. This is because UV filters are widely used in everyday products. In this context, we focused this study on cosmetic products, in order to assess the importance of this source of contamination. The study of 742 cosmetic products, excluding actual sunscreen products, but including hygiene, personal care and make-up products and perfumes revealed that the most common UV filters present are butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (90 products or 12.1% of products tested), octyl methoxycinnamate (75 products or 10.1% of products tested), octocrylene (62 products or 8.3% of products tested), octyl salicylate (43 products or 5.8% of products tested) and titanium dioxide (33 products or 4.4% of products tested). Very few UV filters are found in the hygiene products (only in 12 shampoos/conditioners and in 2 shower gels) and deodorants and toothpastes are completely free of them. Conversely, make-up and perfumes are frequently formulated with at least one UV filter. Seventy-five of the two hundred and forty-four (or 30.7%) skincare products studied contained at least one UV filter. 49.1 of the makeup products studied and 74.3% of perfumes contained it.

Physiological impact of personal care product constituents on non-target aquatic organisms

Personal care products (PCPs) are products used in cleaning, beautification, grooming, and personal hygiene. The rise in diversity, usage, and availability of PCPs has resulted in their higher accumulation in the environment. Thus, these constitute an emerging category of environmental contaminants due to the potential of its constituents (chemical and non-chemical) to induce various physiological effects even at lower concentrations (ng/L). For analyzing the impact of the PCPs constituents on the non-target organism about 300 article including research articles, review articles and guidelines were studied from 2000 to 2023. This review aims to firstly discuss the fate and accumulation of PCPs in the aquatic environment and organisms; secondly provides overview of environmental risks that are linked to PCPs; thirdly review the trends, current status of regulations and risks associated with PCPs and finally discuss the knowledge gaps and future perspectives for future research. The article discusses important constituents of PCPs such as antimicrobials, cleansing agents and disinfectants, fragrances, insect repellent, moisturizers, plasticizers, preservatives, surfactants, UV filters, and UV stabilizers. Each of them has been found to display certain toxic impact on the aquatic organisms especially the plasticizers and UV filters. These continuously and persistently release biologically active and inactive components which interferes with the physiological system of the non-target organism such as fish, corals, shrimps, bivalves, algae, etc. With a rise in the number of toxicity reports, concerns are being raised over the potential impacts of these contaminant on aquatic organism and humans. The rate of adoption of nanotechnology in PCPs is greater than the evaluation of the safety risk associated with the nano-additives. Hence, this review article presents the current state of knowledge on PCPs in aquatic ecosystems.

Pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and ultraviolet filters in wastewater discharges to San Francisco Bay as drivers of ecotoxicity

Research in the United States evaluating ecotoxic risk to receiving waters posed by contaminants occurring in wastewater discharges typically has focused on measurements of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), with limited evaluations of UV filters and phenylpyrazole and neonicotinoid pesticides. In this study, concentrations of 5 representative pharmaceuticals, 11 pesticides or pesticide degradation products, and 5 ultraviolet filters were measured in 24 h composite samples of six wastewater discharges representing ∼70% of the total wastewater discharged to San Francisco Bay during the summer and fall of 2021. No significant difference was observed between concentrations measured on weekdays vs. weekends. A hydrodynamic model of San Francisco Bay was used to estimate annual average dilution factors associated with different subembayments. With and without considering dilution effects, Risk Quotients were calculated using the 90th percentile of measured concentrations in wastewater effluents and threshold concentrations associated with ecotoxicity. Risk Quotients were highest for the neonicotinoid pesticide, imidacloprid, and exceeded ecotoxicity thresholds in the lower South Bay by a factor of 2.4, even when considering dilution. Compared to commonly measured pharmaceuticals, Risk Quotients for imidacloprid were higher than those for carbamazepine, trimethoprim and diclofenac, and comparable to those for propranolol and metoprolol. Risk Quotients for the pesticide, fipronil, and the UV filter, oxybenzone, were higher than for carbamazepine. The results highlight the need to incorporate pesticides and UV filters with high Risk Quotients into studies in the United States evaluating ecotoxic risk associated with contaminants in municipal wastewater discharges.

Novel visible-light-active P-g-CN-based α-Bi2O3/WO3 ternary photocatalysts with a dual Z-scheme heterostructure for the efficient decomposition of refractory ultraviolet filters and environmental hormones: Benzophenones

The ubiquitous and refractory benzophenone (BP)-type ultraviolet filters, which are also endocrine disruptors, were commonly detected in the aquatic matrix and could not be efficiently removed by conventional wastewater treatment processes, thus causing extensive concern. Herein, a novel ternary nanocomposite, P-g-CN/α-Bi2O3/WO3 (P-gBW), was successfully fabricated by mixing cocalcinated components and applied to the decomposition of BP-type ultraviolet filters. The dual-Z-scheme heterostructure of P-gBW enhances visible-light absorption, efficiently facilitates separation and mobility, and prolongs the lifetime of photoinduced charge carriers via double charge transfer mechanisms. The optimum 95 wt% P-gBW exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity, degrading 96% 4-hydroxy benzophenone (4HBP) within 150 min and 93% 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (BP-2) within 100 min under visible-light illumination, respectively. The pseudo-first-order rate constant of 4HBP (1.15 h-1) was 6.8-, 3.1-, 3.3- and 2.2-fold higher than those of WO3, P-g-CN, α-Bi2O3, and P-g-CN/α-Bi2O3, respectively, while that of BP-2 (1.71 h-1) was 5.2-, 2.2-, 3.2- and 1.5-fold higher, respectively. The improved photocatalytic degradation was attributed to efficient photoinduced charge carrier separation and migration and prevented the recombination of electron holes, as verified by photoluminescence, transient photocurrent response, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Trapping experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance, and band energy position indicated an efficient dual-Z-scheme heterostructure.

Safety of benzophenone-type UV filters: A mini review focusing on carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity

Consumer products containing benzophenone-type ultraviolet (UV) filters (BPs) have been widely accepted by the public, resulting in the widely existence of various BPs in the human body and environment. In recent years, more and more evidences show that BPs are endocrine disruptors. In view of the continuous exposure risk of BPs and their endocrine disrupting characteristics, the carcinogenicity of BPs and their effects on reproduction and development are of particular concern. However, due to the wide varieties of BPs and the scattered toxicity studies on BPs, people have a limited understanding on the safety of BPs. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity of BPs in order to expand people's knowledge on the health risks of BPs and screen for more safe BPs. Although existing toxicological studies are insufficient, it can be determined that BPs have different potentials for carcinogenicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Among those BPs, 2-hydroxyl-4-methoxyl benzophenone needs to be used with caution due to its adverse effects on cancer cell proliferation and migration, reproductive ability, sex differentiation, neurodevelopment, and so on. It is worth noting that functional group substitutions significantly affect the interaction between BPs and biomolecules such as DNA, cancer cells, and seminal fluid, resulting in different levels of toxicity. In short, it is very necessary to evaluate the carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity of BPs, which is of great significance for establishing reasonable BPs content standards in cosmetics, water quality treatment standards for BPs, and so on.

Short-term effects of an environmentally relevant concentration of organic UV filters on signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus

Personal care products, including organic UV filters, are considered emerging contaminants, with their toxic effects being a concern in recent decades. UV filters continually enter surface waters via wastewater and human activity. Despite the presence of organic UV filters in the freshwater environment, little is known of their impact on aquatic biota. In this study, we evaluated the cardiac and locomotor responses of signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of either 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA, 3 µg/L) or 5-Benzoyl-4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzenesulfonic acid (BP4, 2.5 µg/L). Specimens exposed to the tested compounds for 30 min exhibited significantly greater changes in distance moved and time active than did unexposed controls. Significant differences of mean heart rate change compared to control were detected in both PBSA and BP4 experimental groups. Such behavior and physiological alterations demonstrate ecological effects of personal care products with the tested sunscreen compounds even with a short exposure. Evidence of the consequences of organic UV filters on aquatic organisms is scarce and is an important topic for future research.

Mixed exposure to phthalates and organic UV filters affects Children's pubertal development in a gender-specific manner

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed phthalates and UV filters are endocrine-disruptive and associated with puberty. However, few studies have examined effects of mixed exposure.

METHODS

Six phthalate metabolites and 12 organic UV filters were detected among 223 school-age children. Puberty development was evaluated at baseline and after 18 months of follow-up. Ordered logistic regression models, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and quantile-based g-computation (qgcomp) were used to evaluate relationships between phthalate metabolites or UV filters exposure and pubertal development.

RESULTS

Six phthalate metabolites and 5 UV filters were detectable in urine samples. In boys, BP-3 and 4'-MAP were negatively associated with genital (ORBP-3 = 0.52, (0.27, 0.93), OR4'-MAP = 0.45, (0.25, 0.74)) and pubic hair development (ORBP-3:0.24, (0.05, 0.76), OR4'-MAP:0.24, (0.05, 0.77)). In girls, MEP levels were associated with advanced breast development (OR: 1.29, (1.04, 1.64)). LASSO regression identified BP-3, 4'-MAP, and OD-PABA for inverse associations with pubertal development in boys. MEP was related to an increase in girls' breast development (OR: 1.64, (1.08, 2.63)). Overall mixture was related to a 70% reduction in boys' genital development stage, with a larger effect size than a single chemical in qgcomp. Mixed exposure was associated with girls' earlier puberty onset (OR: 2.61, (1.06, 6.42)).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested higher levels of phthalate metabolites and UV filters were associated with delayed pubertal development in boys but with earlier puberty in girls. Higher effect size of joint exposure than single chemicals suggested phthalates and UV filters might have synergistic effects on puberty and distort adolescent endocrine function together.

Cytotoxicity of BP-3 and BP-4: Blockage of extrusion pumps, oxidative damage and programmed cell death on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The health concern associated with the dangers related to exposure to UV radiation has led to an increase in the use of sunscreens containing UV-filters that can reach aquatic environments and possibly affect ecosystems. Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and benzophenone-4 (BP-4) are two of the most used UV-filters. In the present work, the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was exposed to several concentrations of both chemicals. To evaluate their potential cytotoxicity on microalgal cells, different parameters were analysed including fast response biomarkers (increase in intracellular free Ca²⁺) as well as biomarkers related with the presence of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation), energy metabolism (photosynthetic yield and cytoplasmic lipid accumulations), cell division (proliferation and F-actin content), programmed cell death (PCD) (caspase activation and DNA fragmentation) and possible mechanisms of resistance to xenobiotics (operation of extrusion pumps and presence of autophagic vacuoles). Results showed an increment of the percentage of cells with cytosolic free Ca²⁺ that could act as a secondary messenger in response to the stress. A decrease in photosynthetic yield and an increase in cytoplasmic lipid accumulations and lipid peroxidation levels were also detected. In addition, a decrease in cell proliferation was observed, linked to a decrease in the percentage of cells with F-actin. The increase observed in the microalgal population with caspase activity, together with the DNA fragmentation and the alterations in the cytoskeleton, suggested the induction of processes linked to PCD. Moreover, a blockage of extrusion pumps, which could be related to the toxicity mechanism of these compounds, and an increase in autophagic vacuoles, as an attempt to repair the damage caused by benzophenones, were detected. Overall, these biomarkers indicate that both UV-filters can be a serious threat to non-target photosynthetic microorganisms in aquatic environments, although BP-3 affected C. reinhardtii more markedly.

Development of diffusive gradients in thin film technique for seasonal monitoring of benzophenone-type UV filters in coastal waters

Benzophenone(BP)-type UV filters are continuously released into various aquatic environments via the effluent discharge of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and recreational activities in coastal beaches. In this study, we developed a robust and reliable sampling approach, diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT), for seasonal monitoring of six BP derivatives in coastal waters to investigate their occurrence and environmental risk. The binding capacities of both XAD-2 and HLB gels for test BPs were over 252 μg with no significant deterioration in marine environment, suggesting that theoretically, DGT is capable of sampling for at least 3 months effectively. The diffusion coefficients of BPs in freshwater and seawater were determined for the first time. The sampling performance showed no dependence on environmental conditions including pH (4.0-8.5), ionic strength (0.0001-0.5 M) and dissolved organic matter (0-20 mg L^-1). The developed DGT samplers were successfully applied in a river estuary linked to a WWTP and a bathing beach at different periods of one year. Results showed that the concentrations of BPs in the coastal waters were dependent on seasonal variation. The highest level in summer and the ecological risk should be considered based on the risk quotient values. These results demonstrated that the present DGT method is suitable for measuring, characterization, and risk assessment of BPs in freshwater and marine environment.

Structure-related endocrine-disrupting potential of environmental transformation products of benzophenone-type UV filters: A review

Benzophenone-type UV filters (BPs) represent a very diverse group of chemicals that are used across a range of industrial sectors around the world. They are found within different environmental compartments (e.g. surface water, groundwater, wastewater, sediments and biota) at concentrations ranging from ng/L to mg/L. Some are known as endocrine disruptors and are currently within the scope of international regulations. A structural alert for high potential of endocrine disrupting activity was assigned to 11 BP derivatives. Due to the widespread use, distribution and disruptive effects of some BPs, knowledge of their elimination pathways is required. This review demonstrates that biodegradation and photolytic decomposition are the major elimination processes for BP-type UV filters in the environment. Under aerobic conditions, transformation pathways have only been reported for BP, BP-3 and BP-4, which are also the most common derivatives. Primary biodegradation mainly results in the formation of hydroxylated BPs, which exhibit a structure-related increase in endocrine activity when compared to their parent substances. By combining 76 literature-based transformation products (TPs) with in silico results relating to their receptor activity, it is demonstrated that 32 TPs may retain activity and that further knowledge of the degradation of BPs in the environment is needed.

Concentrations, distribution and potential health risks of organic ultraviolet absorbents in street dust from Tianjin, a megacity in northern China

The distribution of organic ultraviolet absorbers (OUVAs) in outdoor dust remains poorly understood, especially in megacities. We measured the concentrations of 11 OUVAs in street dust from Tianjin, China, by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and found total concentrations in the range of 10.3-129 ng/g. These OUVAs were prevalent in the study street dust, but their concentrations were much lower than those in indoor dust reported in other areas previously. Benzophenone and octocrylene were the dominant OUVAs, representing medians of 15.5% and 13.1% of total OUVA concentrations, respectively. Total concentrations of dust OUVAs in the industrial area were higher than the residential, cultural and new urban areas. Source assessment indicated that the OUVAs likely originated mainly from the manufacture and consumption of cosmetics and personal care products, and some may have been from the production and use of OUVA-containing consumer products. The calculated non-carcinogenic risks of OUVAs in street dust were low. Our results further confirmed that the OUVAs were prevalent in the environment, provide useful information for understanding potential risks of these chemicals and developing risk management strategies. Further studies are needed to investigate the occurrence, environmental behaviors and potential risks of these emerging contaminants in outdoor environment.

Continuous input of organic ultraviolet filters and benzothiazoles threatens the surface water and sediment of two major rivers in the Pearl River Basin

The extensive usage of organic ultraviolet filters (UV filters) and benzothiazoles (BTs) has caused continuous and widespread pollution in the aquatic environment. This study investigated the occurrence of nine organic UV filters and eight BTs in the surface water and sediment of two major drinking water source rivers in the Pearl River Basin (PRB). The detection frequencies of six organic UV filters and seven BTs were above 50% in surface water, while eight target compounds were as high as 100%. Composition profiles revealed that 2-Hydroxybenzothiazole (2-OH-BTH, 1112 ng/L) and 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (2-SH-BTH, 426.3 ng/L) were the predominant compounds in surface water, while Octyl 4-methoxycinnamate (OMC, maximum concentration, 68.3 ng/g) and UV-329 (18.8 ng/g) were predominant in sediment. Significant positive correlations were observed between water quality parameters (temperature, total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN)) and organic UV filters (UV-327 and UV-P), indicating the domestic discharge. The calculated annual flux of targets compounds indicated that West River (WR) promoted more BTs and UV filters to the PRB than North River (NR) (BTs: WR22, 88,517 kg/year; NR13, 15,660 kg/year; UV filters: WR22, 28,332 kg/year; NR13, 1128 kg/year). Significant relationship between the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and annual flux of BTs (R² = 0.96, p < 0.001), and UV filters (R² = 0.88, p < 0.001) in the rivers were found by regression analysis. UV-329 was detected with medium risk (RQ > 0.1) in all WR surface water samples, and 2-SH-BTH was detected with high risk (RQ > 1) in half of the WR sediment samples. This study provides the first time reports on the organic UV filters and BTs in two major rivers in the Pearl River Basin, and further showed that these two types of contaminants are ubiquitous and with potential risks in surface water and sediment of PRB.

Benzophenones and synthetic progestin in wastewater and sediment from farms, WWTPs and receiving surface water: distribution, sources, and ecological risks

Farms and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important sources of endocrine disruptors, which may have potential adverse effects on the nearby receiving river and potential human health risks. Benzophenone (BPs) and synthetic progestin were determined in water and sediment samples of the discharge source and receiving river. BPs and synthetic progestin ranged from not detected (N.D.) to 400.53 ng L⁻¹ in water samples and from N.D. to 359.92 ng g⁻¹ dw in sediment, respectively, and benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and ethinyl estradiol (EE2) were the main detected objects. Correlation analysis showed that pollutants discharged from livestock farms were the main contributor to the receiving river. The distribution of pollutants in different regions was related to higher population density and livestock activities. Predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) were investigated for ecological risk assessment in the study area, and 86% of the samples exceeded the baseline value of chronic toxicity. Benzophenone-1 (BP-1), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OH-BP) and benzophenone (BP) were identified as the main substances that caused medium risk in the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, BPs and synthetic progesterone should be given more attention in the future.

The occurrence, source and ecological risk of BPs and synthetic progestin in farms, WWTPs and their receiving river were investigated.

Effects of Low Concentration Benzophenone-3 Exposure on the Sex Ratio and Offspring Development of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is an important ultraviolet (UV)-screening agent using in cosmetics, however, the associated environmental pollution and the toxicity to organisms, particularly aquatic organisms, cannot be neglected. In this study, the potential risks posed to zebrafish when exposed to environmental residual concentrations of BP-3 were evaluated. Zebrafish embryos (F0) were exposed to 0, 0.056, 2.3, and 38 μg/L BP-3 until 42 days' post-fertilization (dpf). The effects of BP-3 on the sex ratio and gene expression of F0 zebrafish were investigated. In the F1 embryos, cumulative hatching rate, body length, and heartbeats were observed. The result showed that F0 and F1 exposure to concentrations of 0.056 and 38 μg/L BP-3 elicited stronger toxicity at 96 hpf than single generation exposures. Overall, our results provide a new understanding on the effects of low BP-3 concentration chronic exposure on sex ratio and offspring developmental toxicity of the F0 zebrafish.

Benzophenone-3 degradation via UV/H2O2 and UV/persulfate reactions

The degradation of benzophenone-3 (BP3) in water via the UV/H₂O₂ and UV/persulfate (UV/PS) reactions was investigated. The degradation of BP3 exhibited pseudo-first-order kinetics in both reactions. The degradation efficiency of BP3 was higher in the UV/PS reaction than in the UV/H₂O₂ reaction. In both reactions, the observed rate constants (k_obs) of BP3 degradation were highest at pH 6 and increased linearly with increasing dosage of H₂O₂ and persulfate. The second-order rate constants of BP3 with •OH (k_{•OH_BP3}) and •SO₄^- (k_•SO4-_{_BP3}) were determined to be 1.09 (± 0.05) × 10¹⁰ and 1.67 (± 0.04) × 10⁹ M^-1 s^-1, respectively. The k_obs values of BP3 were affected by water components such as HCO₃^-, NO₃^-, Cl^-, and Br^- ions, as well as humic acid. Based on the identified transformation products (TPs), the degradation pathway of BP3 during both reactions was a hydroxylation reaction. The inhibition of bioluminescence in Vibrio fischeri due to BP3 and its TPs decreased more quickly in the UV/PS reaction than in the UV/H₂O₂ reaction. The results suggest that the UV/PS process is a better alternative to the UV/H₂O₂ process for removing BP3 and its toxicity in water.

Sunscreens: UV filters to protect us: Part 2-Increasing awareness of UV filters and their potential toxicities to us and our environment

BACKGROUND

Sunscreens are topical preparations containing one or more compounds that filter, block, reflect, scatter, or absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. Part 2 of this review focuses on the environmental, ecological effects and human toxicities that have been attributed to UV filters.

METHODS

Literature review using NIH databases (eg, PubMed and Medline), FDA and EPA databases, Google Scholar, the Federal Register, and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective literature review that involved many different types of studies across a variety of species. Comparison between reports is limited by variations in methodology and criteria for toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

In vivo and in vitro studies on the environmental and biological effects of UV filters show a wide array of unanticipated adverse effects on the environment and exposed organisms. Coral bleaching receives considerable attention from the lay press, but the scientific literature identifies potential toxicities of endocrine, neurologic, neoplastic and developmental pathways. These effects harm a vast array of aquatic and marine biota, while almost no data supports human toxicity at currently used quantities (with the exception of contact allergy). Much of these data are from experimental studies or field observations; more controlled environmental studies and long-term human use data are limited. Several jurisdictions have prohibited specific UV filters, but this does not adequately address the dichotomy of the benefits of photoprotection vs lack of eco-friendly, safe, and FDA-approved alternatives.

Construction of a Z-scheme 1D/2D FeV3O8/g-C3N4 composite for ibuprofen degradation: mechanism insight, theoretical calculation and degradation pathway

A direct Z-scheme heterojunction of 1D FeV₃O₈ nanorods and 2D g-C₃N₄ nanosheets with enhanced charge separation efficiency was successfully fabricated.

Distribution, removal efficiencies and environmental risk assessment of benzophenone and salicylate UV filters in WWTPs and surface waters from Romania

This article presents the environmental pollution level with organic UV filters and the effect they pose on aquatic organisms in Romania.

Endocrine disrupting compounds, pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the aquatic environment of China: Which chemicals are the prioritized ones?

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been of great concern as emerging contaminants of aquatic environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify top contaminants so as to allocate better management measures. A list of 77 pharmaceuticals, 20 personal care products (PCPs) and 36 EDCs that were frequently detected in Chinese surface waters was examined in this study. The reported chemicals were concentrated in the highly populated and industrialized areas of China (e.g. the Bohai region, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta). The concentrations of EDCs and PPCPs were closely related to human domestic sewage and industrial wastewater discharge, and they were generally higher than or at least comparable to most of global rivers. Based on the proximity between the medians of reported exposure concentrations and effect concentrations, the risk ranking results showed that EDCs, e.g. estrone (E1), estriol (E3), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), and PCPs, e.g. triclocarban (TCC), triclosan (TCS), were deemed to represent higher risks to aquatic organisms across China, as well as the Northern rivers (including the Bohai region), Yangtze River Basin, and Pearl River Basin. Pharmaceuticals posed relatively lower risks to organisms owing to their higher effect concentrations. By comparison, the Northern rivers were hotspots where many chemicals were identified as posing greater risks than the Yangtze River Basin and Pearl River Basin. Fish was the most sensitive taxa to 17β-estradiol (βE2) and EE2, which was almost 100,000 times higher risk than algae and worms. Atrazine (ATZ) and galaxolide (HHCB), posed comparably higher risks to algae and worms. The results of this work provide a sound guidance for future monitoring and management of chemicals in China.

Annual release of selected UV filters via effluent from wastewater treatment plants in Australia

Studies conducted globally have identified wastewater effluent as a key source of UV filters released into the aquatic environment. We assessed the annual release of UV filters from wastewater treatment plant effluent in Australia and evaluated the removal of these chemicals during wastewater treatment. Effluent samples were collected from 33 sites alongside matching influent samples. Sample collection predominately occurred during the Australian Census in August 2016, which allowed for accurate per capita normalisation of the results. A subset of sites was also sampled over the Southern Hemisphere summer (December-February) period. Five UV filters were detected with at least one detected in 95% of effluent samples. The summed concentration of UV filters ranged from 130 ng L^-1 to 8400 ng L^-1 and averaged 2800 (±1900) ng L^-1. Of the target UV filters, 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA) and benzophenone 4 (BP4) showed the lowest removal efficiencies (11 ± 36% and 51 ± 43%, respectively) across all sites and were the most abundant in effluent. Average estimated removal efficiencies of the other compounds were between 59 (±24) % (4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC)) and 74 (±22) % (benzophenone 1 (BP1)). We did not find a trend in seasonal differences in the per capita release of UV filters in effluent samples. We estimate that approximately 40% of UV filter loads measured in influent are breaking through to the effluent resulting in the release of approximately 20 kg day^-1 of the selected UV filters into the aquatic environment from treated wastewater effluent in Australia.

Comparison of toxicological effects of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate sunscreen ingredients on cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.)

Oxybenzone (OBZ), avobenzone (AVB), octocrylene (OCR) and octinoxate (OMC) are ultraviolet (UV) filters commonly added to chemical sunscreens. These UV filters are known to widely contaminate the environment through a variety of anthropogenic sources, including sewage discharge. However, systematic studies of the damage caused by these four UV filters and their toxicopathological differences in a variety of plant species are lacking. In this study, we demonstrated that irrigation with water containing these four UV filters could significantly inhibit the aboveground growth of cucumber plant. All of the UV filters decreased photosynthesis through nonstomatal factors but via different inhibitory mechanisms. Only OBZ inhibited photosynthesis by directly inhibiting photosynthetic electron transport, while the other three (AVB, OCR, and OMC) inhibited photosynthesis by inhibiting the Calvin-Benson cycle. Additionally, these four UV filters also decreased plant respiration under long-term treatment. Photosynthesis and respiration inhibition led to the over production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the formation of lipid peroxidation damage products, which further damaged the structure and function of plant cells, causing secondary pathologies and potentially leading to reduced crop yields. The study also demonstrated that these four UV filters caused different degrees of phototoxic damage to cucumber plants. On the basis of comprehensive evaluation, we speculated that the order of the four UV filters in terms of plant damage was OBZ > AVB > OMC > OCR. Because of the severe damaging effects of these UV filters on plant growth, the application of contaminated biosolids/reclaimed water in agriculture reduces agricultural production and may damage ecosystems. The results of this study can advance recognition of the hazards associated with environmental and agricultural pollution via UV filters and encourage consumers and the industry to limit or reduce the application of cosmetics and over-the-counter drugs containing these substances.

An environmentally friendly strategy for determining organic ultraviolet filters in seawater using liquid-phase microextraction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Benzophenone-3, benzophenone-8, and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor are used in sunscreens because they can protect the skin from UV radiation. The widespread use of organic UV filters may mean that they directly or indirectly enter seawater during recreational activities or through sewage discharge. In this study, a simple and efficient method using 1-octanol:isooctane (2:8, v/v) as an extraction solvent and liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry was developed to measure trace levels of organic UV filters in seawater samples. This proposed method proved to be a highly sensitive, low-cost, and green analytical tool that requires minimal sample preparation. The method was validated and it exhibited favorable performance as well as acceptable accuracy (67 to 115%), precision (2.1 to 7.3%), coefficients of determination (0.9952 < R² < 0.9987), sensitivity (limits of quantification [3.3 to 5.7 ng L^-1]), and an acceptable matrix effect (87 to 99%). This methodology was successfully applied to analyze seawater taken from Kenting National Park located in the Hengchun Peninsula of southern Taiwan. Benzophenone-3 was detected at all sampling sites and at a higher concentration than the other organic UV filters. The highest concentration of benzophenone-3 was 514.6 ng L^-1 in a sample collected from Baisha Beach.

Organic ultraviolet (UV) filters in the South China sea coastal region: Environmental occurrence, toxicological effects and risk assessment

Organic ultraviolet (UV) filters are common ingredients of personal care products and occur ubiquitously in the aquatic environment; however, little is known about their distribution in and potential effects to the marine environment. This study reports the occurrence, toxicological effects and risk assessment of eleven commonly consumed UV filters in marine surface water collected from the South China Sea (SCS) coastal region. The concentrations of UV filters ranged from <MDL to 145 ng/L in the SCS, in which benzophenone-3, octocrylene and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane were the most dominant compounds with their detection frequencies over 97%. Relatively higher levels of total UV filters were found near the highly industrialized and urbanized Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and the concentrations gradually decreased towards the SCS. In general, the environmental levels of UV filters were higher at the western marine waters in Hong Kong than the eastern marine waters. Significant negative correlations were observed between benzophenone-4 and water temperature, as well as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and salinity (P < 0.001; r < -0.5). Immobilization test of barnacle nauplius larvae (Balanus amphitrite) was conducted to assess the acute toxicity of organic UV filters to marine organisms. Benzophenone-8 and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor showed relatively higher toxicity with the 50% effect concentrations (EC₅₀) of 2.2 and 3.9 mg/L, respectively. A preliminary risk assessment was conducted by the results obtained from our field and laboratory studies. Results showed that the risk to cause immobilization in barnacle nauplius larvae in associated with exposure to current levels of organic UV filters in the SCS was minimal.

Footprints in the sand - Assessing the seasonal trends of volatile methylsiloxanes and UV-filters

This study focused on the determination of seven volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) and eleven UV-filters (UVFs) in beach sand from the Oporto's region (Portugal). A QuEChERS methodology ("Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe") was used to extract VMSs from the sand, which has never been employed before. To extract the UVFs, a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was used. The analyses were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Twenty-three beach sand samples were analysed, from two campaigns - summer/winter. VMSs were found in all the samples with concentrations ranging from 0.007 ± 0.001 to 17.8 ± 0.9 ng g^-1_dw, while UVFs in summer samples from 0.030 ± 0.001 to 373 ± 17 ng g^-1_dw. Cyclic VMSs and octocrylene (OC) were detected in higher concentrations. In general, higher levels were detected in summer than winter. Hazard quotients were determined and 3-(4'-methylbenzylidene) camphor (4-MBC), 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EMC) and benzophenone-3 (BP3) presented values >1, which may indicate that they may pose an ecotoxicological risk.