Global phytoplankton populations have decreased by 50% since 1950 and continue to fall 1% per year. This loss of these primary producers directly impacts the entire oceanic ecosystem and reduces the resiliency of our climate system through the removal of an important carbon sink. Recent advances in ecotoxicology have revealed the synergistic toxicity of two emerging groups of pollutants: microplastics and hydrophobic organic pollutants. Specifically, microplastics have emerged as an important vector for concentrating and transporting organic pollutants such as toxic organic UV filters found in sunscreens and other personal care products. Chemists Without Borders and the Global Oceanic Environmental Survey Foundation have formed a joint working group to mobilize the chemical and environmental sciences communities to focus on this issue and amplify their results to policymakers and the public. We will present the chemical nature of this environmental problem, our collaborative projects to understand the full environmental impact and the potential solutions to remediate our oceans and save our planet.

Global impact of the synergistic toxicity of microplastics and organic UV filters on phytoplankton

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.