Photolytic Degradation and Accumulation of Sunscreen Chemicals in Coral Reefs of Dubai’s High-Tourism Areas

Disha Rao

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.59937

Photolytic Degradation and Accumulation of Sunscreen Chemicals in Coral Reefs of Dubai’s High-Tourism Areas

Author(s)	Ms. Disha Rao
Country	India
Abstract	Within this study, we assess the harmful effects of sunscreen and the multiple implications it has. Focusing on the effect it has on Dubai’s coastal ecosystem and comparing the accumulation of the chemicals in Dubai’s beaches to the increase in tourism over the years. The primary question being “How do photolytic degradation processes affect the persistence and accumulation of sunscreen chemicals in coral reefs near Dubai’s high-tourism areas?”. Sunscreen, becoming increasingly essential with the elevation in ultraviolet levels, reduces the risk of photodamage. Noting the high temperatures and intense solar radiation, characteristic of the Gulf region, sunscreen use among beachgoers is widespread. As Dubai’s beaches are heavily commercialized and attract large numbers of tourists, these areas especially experience concentrated inputs of sunscreen chemicals. Thus, the evidence collected through this study suggests that some of its active chemical ingredients can accumulate in Dubai’s nearshore marine environments, particularly around high-tourism beaches, leading to reduced coral diversity and overall reef health. These chemicals (UV filters like oxybenzone/benzophenone-3, octocrylene and avobenzone.) can gather in sediments on coral tissues and undergo photolytic degradation under sunlight to form toxic by-products. This review compiles and analyzes existing global and regional studies, photodegradation pathways, and effects of sunscreen-derived contaminants on marine ecology, with a focus on conditions in Dubai’s coastal areas. The already synthesized data is then used to evaluate the extent of photolytic degradation and subsequent accumulation of the before mentioned chemicals. The primary objective of this review is to identify major pollutant hotspots and conclude with aims to give recommendations for sustainable tourism practices in the United Arab Emirates
Field	Biology > Bio + Chemistry
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-11-27
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.59937
Short DOI	https://doi.org/hbdrd2

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Photolytic Degradation and Accumulation of Sunscreen Chemicals in Coral Reefs of Dubai’s High-Tourism Areas

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