Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Alyssa Brasko, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Alyssa Brasko
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Jenny Vu
Abstract
Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) is a widely used ultraviolet (UV) filter in sunscreens, offering protection against harmful radiation but raising significant environmental concerns due to its persistence and toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This ongoing study aims to investigate the bioaccumulation and ecological impact of oxybenzone in fish species along Florida’s Space Coast, contributing to a broader understanding of its environmental fate and potential human exposure through seafood consumption. The research will employ advanced analytical techniques, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), to quantify oxybenzone levels in locally sourced fish. Fish samples will be obtained from the non-profit organization ORCA and subjected to a rigorous extraction and purification process to ensure accurate measurement. Given oxybenzone’s hydrophobic nature and resistance to metabolic degradation, this study will assess its persistence in fish tissues and potential biomagnification within the marine food web. The findings will provide empirical data to support regulatory discussions on safer sunscreen alternatives and marine conservation strategies. Additionally, this research will contribute to community-driven environmental monitoring efforts, enhancing public awareness of chemical pollution in coastal ecosystems
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
From Sunscreen to Seafood: Tracing the Ecological and Human Health Risks of Oxybenzone Contamination in Local Fish
Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) is a widely used ultraviolet (UV) filter in sunscreens, offering protection against harmful radiation but raising significant environmental concerns due to its persistence and toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This ongoing study aims to investigate the bioaccumulation and ecological impact of oxybenzone in fish species along Florida’s Space Coast, contributing to a broader understanding of its environmental fate and potential human exposure through seafood consumption. The research will employ advanced analytical techniques, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), to quantify oxybenzone levels in locally sourced fish. Fish samples will be obtained from the non-profit organization ORCA and subjected to a rigorous extraction and purification process to ensure accurate measurement. Given oxybenzone’s hydrophobic nature and resistance to metabolic degradation, this study will assess its persistence in fish tissues and potential biomagnification within the marine food web. The findings will provide empirical data to support regulatory discussions on safer sunscreen alternatives and marine conservation strategies. Additionally, this research will contribute to community-driven environmental monitoring efforts, enhancing public awareness of chemical pollution in coastal ecosystems