Screening 2014 Analysis of UV-filters (and fragrances) used in cosmetics and textiles
Year: 2015
Type: report
Abstract: A screening study concerning mainly substances used as UV-filters in sunscreen lotions has been performed. The two main routes for these UV-filters to the aquatic environment after use are direct releases from the skin during bathing (outdoor) or during showering/bathing or washing of textiles. In the latter case the substances of concern will be transported with waste water to a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) and eventually to its receiving water. Thus, the sampling program was focused on water and sediment from bathing sites and effluent and sludge from WWTPs. Biota samples (fish muscle) were also included. Chemical analysis was carried out for 22 UV-filters (of which 18 are used mainly in cosmetic products and 4 in textiles) and 2 substances used as fragrances. In surface water from a lake with a bathing site, sampled at noon on a popular day for swimming, 13 UV-filters were found in a summed concentration of 170 ng/l. Dominating compounds were OC, DBENZO, BP3, HMS, 3BC and ethylhexyltriazone. Water samples taken at increasing distances from the bathing site showed an influence area on the km scale for many of the substances. In the morning and evening of the same day the number of detected substances and the summed concentrations were lower (approx. 50 ng/l). The concentrations on one day before and one day after the bathing season were even lower (approx 10 ng/l). The dominating compounds in sediment close to the bathing site were OC, DBENZO, BP3, EHS and UV360. Sediment samples from increasing distances showed an impact from the bathing site for most substances, also for UV360 and iscotrizinol, which could not be seen in the water column. The concentrations in sediments during the season did not vary much, but UV360 showed an accumulation from May to October. In WWTP effluents, all investigated substances, with the exception of BMDM and UV327, were detected. Highest individual concentrations were found for bemotrizinol (2500 ng/l), UV360 (650 ng/l) and DBENZO (560 ng/l). OC, BP, and OMC were also important and frequently detected components in the effluents. In WWTP sludge, OC and UV360 were found in highest concentrations (44 000 and 21 000 ng/g dw respectively), the maximum summed concentration was 99 000 ng/g dw. This is in the same range as what is often found as a summed concentration for phthalate plasticizers in sludge. Sediment sampled downstream the discharge point of a WWTP did not show as high concentrations of UV-filters as was found in the vicinity of the investigated bathing site. The highest levels of the UV-filter BP3 measured in sediments indicates a possible environmental risk. To the best of our knowledge, ethylhexyltriazone, bemotrizinol, UV360 and iscotrizinol have not been measured before in the Swedish environment and appears to be new important contaminants at bathing sites and in WWTPs.
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2411444872