Oxybenzone: A Silent Threat to the Aquatic World

Oxybenzone is a photoprotective chemical rampantly included in Personal Care Products such as sunscreens, plastics, furniture, etc. It ultimately ends up in the wastewater indirectly and directly via its application on the body during recreational activities. However, it is declared an Emerging Contaminant because of its harmful effect on multiple organisms, aquatic and terrestrial, and also on humans. It is widely found in all environmental media and also in human bodies. It is deemed toxic to all trophic organisms, from primary producers to top consumers. It is found to be bioaccumulating, bioconcentrating and biomagnifying along the food chain. It disrupts the endocrine system and causes the male fishes to feminize. It affects the feeding patterns, behaviour, cognition, nervous system and reproductive system of the organisms and is also fatal. It also causes coral bleaching and shows joint toxicity with other pollutants. This is thus concerning, especially in the present context of other major issues like global warming, ocean acidification and climate change.