The Impact of Different Octocrylene Concentrations on Ulva lactuca Growth Rate in a Saltwater Environment

School Name

Spring Valley High School

Grade Level

11th Grade

Presentation Topic

Environmental Science

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

This study explores the impact of varying octocrylene concentrations on the growth rate of Ulva lactuca, a vital green algae species in marine ecosystems. With the surge in the use of chemical sunscreens, concerns about their ecological effects necessitate comprehensive investigations, especially on diverse marine flora. Despite known adverse effects on human health and coral reefs, the specific consequences of octocrylene on algae, particularly at lower concentrations, remain insufficiently explored. Ulva lactuca, chosen for its ecological significance, is a bioindicator in this controlled experiment, exposed to distinct octocrylene concentrations (0%, 7%, and 10%) within a simulated saltwater environment. Growth rates are meticulously measured over a 5-day period, and robust statistical analyses, including a one-way ANOVA test, are employed. The results reveal a significant finding: even at a 7% concentration, octocrylene markedly diminishes Ulva lactuca growth rates, challenging current regulatory standards. The one-way ANOVA test yields an F-statistic of 26.448, with a p-value of less than 0.0001 at an alpha level of 0.05, signifying a statistically significant difference among the means of the experimental groups. This evidence supports the rejection of the null hypothesis, indicating a discernible impact on Ulva lactuca growth rates. The study underscores the need for a holistic understanding of UV filter implications on marine organisms, urging a reevaluation of regulatory standards. Balancing human safety with marine biodiversity preservation is crucial, contributing valuable insights to discussions on environmentally conscious skincare formulations and emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding marine ecosystems.

Location

RITA 154

Start Date

3-23-2024 11:00 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 23rd, 11:00 AM

The Impact of Different Octocrylene Concentrations on Ulva lactuca Growth Rate in a Saltwater Environment

RITA 154

This study explores the impact of varying octocrylene concentrations on the growth rate of Ulva lactuca, a vital green algae species in marine ecosystems. With the surge in the use of chemical sunscreens, concerns about their ecological effects necessitate comprehensive investigations, especially on diverse marine flora. Despite known adverse effects on human health and coral reefs, the specific consequences of octocrylene on algae, particularly at lower concentrations, remain insufficiently explored. Ulva lactuca, chosen for its ecological significance, is a bioindicator in this controlled experiment, exposed to distinct octocrylene concentrations (0%, 7%, and 10%) within a simulated saltwater environment. Growth rates are meticulously measured over a 5-day period, and robust statistical analyses, including a one-way ANOVA test, are employed. The results reveal a significant finding: even at a 7% concentration, octocrylene markedly diminishes Ulva lactuca growth rates, challenging current regulatory standards. The one-way ANOVA test yields an F-statistic of 26.448, with a p-value of less than 0.0001 at an alpha level of 0.05, signifying a statistically significant difference among the means of the experimental groups. This evidence supports the rejection of the null hypothesis, indicating a discernible impact on Ulva lactuca growth rates. The study underscores the need for a holistic understanding of UV filter implications on marine organisms, urging a reevaluation of regulatory standards. Balancing human safety with marine biodiversity preservation is crucial, contributing valuable insights to discussions on environmentally conscious skincare formulations and emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding marine ecosystems.