Chemical Analysis and Ecotoxicological Effects of UV Absorbing Organic Chemicals in Aquatic Environments

Abstract

Substances that exert adverse effects on reproduction and fertility are a cause of concern. UV filters used in sunscreens and in the protection of materials may enter aquatic environments. Properties of UV filters such as environmental persistency and high lipophilicity make an environmental risk assessment desirable, in particular as some of them show hormonal activity at high concentrations. In this research project conducted within the National Research Programme NRP50, hormonal activities of UV filters are evaluated in vitro in recombinant yeast system and in vivo in fish and frogs.

Keywords

• Ecotoxicology
• Endocrine disrupters
• Estrogenic activity
• Uv filters