Occurrence, Distribution, and Fate of UV Filters around endangered coral species in the Persian Gulf

Based on the existing in-situ data, laboratory experiments, and increasing tourism trends, corals of Kish Island in Iran are seriously in danger. One factor could be Organic and inorganic UV filters (UVfs) which are key ingredients in various sunscreen and personal care products, massively released to natural waters due to the increased marine tourism industry. Environmental Fluid Dynamics(EFD) is a branch of coastal engineering that can interconnect and integrate the many mplicated environmental issues. The techniques used are able to provide estimates of residence times and flushing rates for contaminants of concern. We have applied this approach to the probable issue of sunscreen pollution in the northeastern part of Kish island, mainly in Women's Beach, Man's Beach and Coral beach located in the eastern part of Kish Island in Persian Gulf. Sunscreen dispersal patterns and their impact on marine ecosystems have not been properly assessed yet. In order to understand the hydrodynamics of pollutants and their plausible threats to coral reefs due to their accumulation and phototoxic effects in euphotic zone, the particle-tracking model was used to study the transport and flushing processes of potential pollutants. This may allow us to predict, well in advance, the permissible numbers of bathers permitted in the swimming beach while still keeping pollution at acceptable levels.

Keywords:

Persian Gulf , Coastal zones , Water pollution , UV filters , oxybenzone , risk assessment , hydrodynamic modelling