Monitoring, Environmental Impact and Safety Assessment of UV Filters in Seafood

Ultraviolet (UV) filters, used in sunscreens and other consumer products, are effective at blocking UV radiation but can enter marine environments due to inadequate wastewater treatment and human activities. This contamination poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, especially in tourist-heavy coastal regions. Coastal biota, such as mussels and seaweeds, are exposed to these contaminants, leading to their accumulation in tissues and posing significant ecotoxicological risks, including endocrine disruption and DNA damage. Furthermore, these contaminants may enter the human diet through seafood consumption, posing substantial exposure risks. There is a critical need to understand the impact of UV filter contamination on marine ecosystems and human health, especially in Australia, where these compounds remain under-investigated. In response, the SAFESEA project will adopt a holistic strategic approach to monitor and assess the ecotoxicological risks associated with UV filter bioaccumulation in marine organisms along the southeast coast of Australia. The methodology includes metabolomic studies, functional analysis, and metabolic pathway assessments to establish correlations between contaminants and metabolites, while also considering spatial variation. The project will evaluate dietary intake and exposure risks from seafood consumption by comparing data from Australia with that of Mediterranean countries. By employing rigorous methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches, the SAFESEA project aims to provide significant insights into ecological and human exposure resulting from UV filter contamination in marine environments, and to advocate for the reduction of water pollution and the protection of marine ecosystems.