Pollution News
Taken from The Guardian Weekly 22/4/2022
"Residues of sunscreen show up in Mediterranean seagrass
Chemicals used in sunscreen lotions are accumulating in Mediterranean seagrass, a study has found.
Scientists discovered ultraviolet filters in the stems of Posidonia oceania, a seagrass species found on the coast of Mallorca and endemic to the Mediterranean Sea.
The researchers believe the contamination is the result of recreational activities and waste discharges in the tourist destination.
Varying concentrations of sunscreen components, including oxybenzone, benzylidene camphor, and methyl parabens, were found in samples; while the full effects of the chemicals are unknown, the researchers are concerned about potential harmful effects."
Questions to ask:
What is meant by the term "endemic"?
Why should we worry about contaminated seagrass, it's only at the bottom of the food chain?
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