The Effects of Sunscreen on UAE’s Coral Reefs
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Over the years, the dangers to coral reefs have accumulated. These dangers pose a harsh condition for the coral reefs. The world has lost almost three-quarters of coral reefs due to local and global pressures. Sunscreens such as sprays and lotions are the most harmful (Zirwas, 2018). In most cases, these two sunscreens affect the mortality, growth, and reproduction of the coral reefs. Most people go to beaches in the United Arab Emirates during hot seasons. They apply lotions and sprays on their bodies to prevent the sun’s rays from damaging their skins. They then decide to go swimming or even take a bath on the beach. According to the observation, it is justified to conclude that whatever leads to most marine plants’ death is the presence of sunscreens.
This research proposal aims to explain how sunscreens affect the coral reefs’ mortality, growth, and reproduction. I carried out this research in the university’s coral lab using the coral reefs from the United Arab Emirates. In the recent past, The United Arab Emirates has lost seventy percent of its coral reefs. This research is significant because if the relevant departments do nothing, the United Arab Emirates will lose the remaining coral reefs. This research’s main objective is to describe how the coral reefs are affected by lotions and spray. According to Dr. Varsha, a dermatologist from Aster Clinic, there are two main types of sunscreens; physical and chemical sunscreens. The chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays while the physical sunscreens reflect the glow into the atmosphere. These products contain active chemicals like; avobenzone, octocrylene, oxybenzone, etc. Therefore, it is evident that the contents in the sunscreens are responsible for the harmful effect on marine life.
To come up with the conclusions, I came up with several questions. These questions were responsible for guiding my research. Therefore, I outlined my field of study in the items listed. I also avoided collecting unnecessary data by continually referring to my questions of research. The following are examples of the questions that guided my research. What are the most significant effects of sunscreens on the life of the coral reefs? Which appropriate actions can the government take to ensure that sunscreens have little or no contact with the coral reefs? What are the most dangerous chemicals produced to hinder the significant production in coral reefs? What can United Arab Emirates’ government do to reduce the excessive loss of coral reefs in the area? These questions formed a more significant part of my data collection and coming up with the findings.
During my research, I found out that when the sunscreens’ chemicals come in contact with water, they increase the water’s toxicity. The chemical produced, known as oxybenzone, causes coral bleaching (Corinaldesi, 2018). Coral bleaching is a process where the chemical expels the algae that are present in the coral reefs. The absence of the algae then causes the coral reefs to turn white. Although the bleaching does not kill the coral reefs, it adversely affects their mortality and health. According to my research, benzophenone-3, which is added to the sunscreens to avoid the ultraviolet rays from affecting people’s skin, is a significant cause of bleaching. An increase in benzophenone-3 leads to an increase in coral bleaching. There is, therefore, a positive relationship between coral bleaching and sunscreens.
References
Zirwas, M. J., & Andrasik, W. (2018). Can Sunscreens Harm Coral Reefs? Addressing Environmental Concerns and Offering Practical Recommendations. Skinmed, 16(4), 223-229.
Corinaldesi, C., Marcellini, F., Nepote, E., Damiani, E., & Danovaro, R. (2018). Impact of inorganic UV filters contained in sunscreen products on tropical stony corals (Acropora spp.). Science of The Total Environment, 637, 1279-1285.