Sunscreen chemicals like EHMC may be silently increasing ocean plastic pollution by strengthening harmful microbial biofilms and hindering the bacteria that would otherwise degrade plastic. A widely used ingredient in sunscreen may be interfering with the natural breakdown of plastic waste in the ocean, according to new findings from the University of Stirling. The compound, […]



Summary

Sunscreen chemical ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) is suspected of exacerbating ocean plastic pollution. A University of Stirling study suggests EHMC strengthens harmful microbial biofilms on plastic, hindering the bacteria responsible for naturally degrading it. This interference with the plastic degradation process could contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste in marine environments, silently compounding the existing pollution crisis. The research highlights the potential for seemingly innocuous chemicals to have unforeseen and detrimental effects on the ocean’s ecosystem.

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