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The presence of benzothiazoles (BTHs) and organic ultraviolet filters (UV filters) in aquatic ecosystems has emerged as a significant environmental issue, requiring urgent and efficient determination methods. A new, rapid, and sensitive determination method using gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC–MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous extraction and analysis of 10 commonly used BTHs and 10 organic UV filters in surface water, wastewater, sediment, and sludge. For aqueous samples, solid-phase extraction (SPE) method was employed with optimizing of SPE cartridge type, pH, and elution solvent. For solid samples, ultrasonic extraction-solid-phase extraction purification (UE-SPE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) methods were compared. And extraction conditions for ultrasonic extraction method (extraction solvents and extraction times) and PLE method (extraction temperatures and extraction cycles) were optimized. The limits of quantification for the 20 target compounds in surface water and wastewater were 0.01–2.12 ng/L and 0.05–6.14 ng/L, while those for sediment and sludge with UE-SPE method were 0.04–5.88 ng/g and 0.22–6.61 ng/g, respectively. Among the 20 target compounds, the recoveries ranged from 70 to 130% were obtained for 16, 15, 15, and 15 analytes in the matrix-spiked samples of surface water, wastewater, sediment, and sludge with three levels, respectively. And the precision was also acceptable with relative standard deviation (RSD) below 20% for all analytes. The developed methods were applied for the determination and quantification of target compounds in surface water, sediment, wastewater, and sludge samples collected from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the Pearl River in Guangzhou, China. BTHs were frequently detected in surface water and wastewater, while UV filters were mainly found in sediment and sludge. Benzotriazole (BT) and 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (2-OH-BTH) were the two major BTHs in influent wastewater and surface water, respectively, with concentrations up to 966 and 189 ng/L. As for sediment and sludge, 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-octylphenyl)-benzotriazole (UV-329) was a predominant chemical, detected at concentrations of 111 and 151 ng/g, respectively.

Homosalate (HMS) is a UV filter used in sunscreens and personal care products as a mixture of cis- and trans-isomers. Systemic absorption after sunscreen use has been demonstrated in humans, and concerns have been raised about possible endocrine activity of HMS, making a general population exposure assessment desirable. In a previous study, it was shown that the oral bioavailability of cis-HMS (cHMS) is lower than that of trans-HMS (tHMS) by a factor of 10, calling for a separate evaluation of both isomers in exposure and risk assessment. The aim of the current study is the investigation of HMS toxicokinetics after dermal exposure. Four volunteers applied a commercial sunscreen containing 10% HMS to their whole body under regular-use conditions (18–40 mg HMS (kg bw)−1). Parent HMS isomers and hydroxylated and carboxylic acid metabolites were quantified using authentic standards and isotope dilution analysis. Further metabolites were investigated semi-quantitatively. Elimination was delayed and slower compared to the oral route, and terminal elimination half-times were around 24 h. After dermal exposure, the bioavailability of cHMS was a factor of 2 lower than that of tHMS. However, metabolite ratios in relation to the respective parent isomer were very similar to the oral route, supporting the applicability of the oral-route urinary excretion fractions for dermal-route exposure assessments. Exemplary calculations of intake doses showed margins of safety between 11 and 92 (depending on the approach) after single whole-body sunscreen application. Human biomonitoring can reliably quantify oral and dermal HMS exposures and support the monitoring of exposure reduction measures.

Plant compound curcumin with strong absorption capabilities in UV range has gained significant attention for its potential application as a natural ultraviolet shielding agent. However, certain challenges such as limited water solubility and photostability sill restrict its usage. Nanoencapsulation as one of the advanced delivery systems is explored to overcome these limitations. In this study, we design a periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) material with Serine-Tryptophan dipeptide framework via sol-gel synthesis method to encapsulate curcumin as potential sunscreen. The dipeptide PMO material were prepared by co-condensation of self-designed Serine-Tryptophan dipeptide bilateral organic silane precursor and tetraethyl orthosilicate in the presence of template CTAB under alkali condition. The PMO material before and after encapsulating curcumin were characterized by XRD, FTIR and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, which confirmed the presence and maintenance of the mesoporous structure within the encapsulation system. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms during curcumin encapsulation were well described by the pseudo-second-order model and Freundlich isotherm, respectively, indicating chemisorption-dominated multimolecular layer adsorption process. Besides, the material exhibited comprehensive broad-spectrum photoprotection against UV light with dominant protection in UVA region. After encapsulating curcumin, the sun protection factor (SPF) was significantly enhanced, demonstrating the excellent photo-protective nature of dipeptide PMO material. The critical wavelength (λc) for the material exceeded 370 nm. In a simulated sweat release experiment to evaluate photostability, only 2.6% of curcumin was released after 24 hours, demonstrating exceptional stability. Consequently, our findings suggest that dipeptide can serve as framework building constituents for the development of novel PMO material. Furthermore, the PMO material encapsulating curcumin could provide stable protection, demonstrating its potential as effective UV shielding filter. Graphical Abstract Highlights A periodic mesoporous orgnaosilica with the framework of biomolecule Serine-Tryptophan dipeptide (Ser-Trp-PMO) is first developed via sol-gel process. Plant compound curcumin with strong UV absorption is encapsulated in Serine-Tryptophan dipeptide PMO material to explore UV filter. A new Serine-Tryptophan bilateral organic silica precursor (Ser-Trp-BOSP) is prepared via multi-step reactions. A UV filter containing Serine-Tryptophan dipeptide complexed curcumin exhibits UVA dominant broad-spectrum photoprotection and excellent stability in simulated sweat for 24 h.

Coral reefs have been declining globally at a historically unprecedented rate. Ultraviolet (UV) filters used in sunscreens may contribute to this decline at local scales, which has already led to bans on various organic UV filters in some regions. However, the underlying studies for these bans demonstrated significant flaws in the experimental design due to a lack of validated and standardized testing methods for corals. This study aimed to investigate options for the development of a standard acute toxicity test for the larval stage of scleractinian corals. Planula larvae of two brooding (Leptastrea purpurea and Tubastraea faulkneri) and two spawning (Acropora digitifera and A. millepora) species were exposed to the organic UV filter benzophenone-3 (BP3) for 48 h under static conditions. We observed interspecific variations in toxicity, with A. digitifera being the most sensitive (LC50 = 0.75 µg L−1) and T. faulkneri the least sensitive (LC50 = 2951.24 µg L−1) species. Inhibition of settlement was found to be a useful endpoint leading to an EC50 of 1.84 µg L−1 in L. purpurea larvae. Although the analytical challenges of measuring lipophilic substances in small volume test setups remain, the here applied test design and selected endpoints are suitable for further validation and subsequent standardization.

In this study, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB)-encapsulated cationic polystyrene particles (PS-DHHB) were synthesized and dispersed in water using miniemulsion polymerization. Low-molecular-weight poly(vinyl alcohol) was employed as an emulsifier, facilitating both the formation of monomer droplets and the subsequent polymerization process. Importantly, the inclusion of polystyrene (PS) in the monomer droplet increased the solid content and acted as a stabilizing agent, thereby enhancing the encapsulation efficiency of DHHB. The synthesized PS-DHHB particles exhibited ultraviolet (UV) absorption properties closely akin to those of DHHB. Additionally, the introduction of aqueous alcohol, used as an antibacterial agent, did not lead to the leaching of DHHB from the PS-DHHB particles. The study further revealed that PS-DHHB adhered more effectively to hair compared to anionic PS-DHHB and was superior in mitigating UV-induced hair protein loss in the 320–400 nm range compared to cationic PS particles without DHHB. In summary, the study resulted in the development of water-dispersible PS-DHHB particles with significant applications in polymer science and cosmetics, owing to their efficient UV absorption and effective hair adhesion capabilities.

Organic ultraviolet (UV) filter compounds are crucial components of sunscreen products, which are used to absorb UV radiation. However, the increase in consumption of UV filters has led to environmental concerns about their impacts on the environment and human health. This review found that the high lipophilicity and stability of UV filters can cause bioaccumulation leading to a wide range of adverse ecological effects. UV filters’ concentration was detected in wastewater up to ppm, and their physicochemical characteristics such as the size of molecule, pK a , hydrophobicity, and solubility significantly control their fate in the environment. Among UV filter compounds, benzophenone 3 (BP-3) and benzophenone 4 (BP-4) are the most common in wastewater. Various removal technologies for UV filters have recently been applied, including membrane separation, adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, and phytoremediation. Among them, hybrid treatment processes such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs) can remove UV filter compounds from wastewater with a removal efficiency of up to 96% (i.e., octocrylene and benzophenone-3). Future investigation should focus on developing green/eco-friendly sunscreens to reduce hazard impacts on human health and the environment. Graphical Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles (NPs) are employed as an ultraviolet filter in sunscreen products because of their high ultraviolet absorptivity. However, sunscreen sprays may pose health risks due to the toxicity of inhaled TiO 2 NPs. Therefore, we estimated the potential human health risk posed by inhaled TiO 2 NPs emitted from sunscreen sprays. The physiology-based lung model was employed to predict the lung TiO 2 NPs burden caused by long-term exposure. A Hill-based dose–response model described the relationship between lung inflammation and TiO 2 NP accumulation. The Weibull threshold model was used to estimate the threshold amount of accumulation inducing 0.5% of the maximum increase in neutrophils. The potential health risk was assessed using a hazard quotient–based probabilistic risk model. All data obtained to date indicate that application of sunscreen sprays poses no significant health risk. However, using data simulations based on the threshold criterion, we discovered that in terms of practical strategies for preventing the risks posed by inhaled TiO 2 NPs emitted from spray products, the suggested daily use amount and pressing number are 40 g (95% confidence interval: 11–146 g) and 66 (18–245), respectively. In this study, we successfully translated the potential health risk of long-term exposure to NP-containing sunscreen sprays and recommendations for daily application into mechanistic insights.

Oxybenzone (OBZ), an organic ultraviolet filter, is an emerging contaminant posing severe threats to ecosystem health. Using tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) as a model plant, this study investigated the alleviation mechanisms of exogenous silicon (Na2SiO3, Si) and bamboo-based biochar (Bc) under OBZ stress. We systematically analyzed physiological and biochemical responses, including phenotypic parameters, reactive oxygen species metabolism, photosynthetic function, chlorophyll synthesis, and endogenous hormone levels. Results reveal that OBZ significantly inhibited tobacco growth and triggered a reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. Additionally, OBZ disrupted antioxidant enzyme activities and hormonal balance. Exogenous Bc mitigated OBZ toxicity by adsorbing OBZ, directly scavenging ROS, and restoring the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, thereby enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, while Si alleviated stress via cell wall silicification, preferential regulation of root development and hormonal signaling, and repair of chlorophyll biosynthesis precursor metabolism and PSII function. The mechanisms of the two stress mitigators were complementary, Bc primarily relied on physical adsorption and ROS scavenging, whereas Si emphasized metabolic regulation and structural reinforcement. These findings provide practical strategies for simultaneously mitigating organic UV filter pollution and enhancing plant resilience in contaminated soils.

Benzophenone-3, benzophenone-8, and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor are used in sunscreens because they can protect the skin from UV radiation. The widespread use of organic UV filters may mean that they directly or indirectly enter seawater during recreational activities or through sewage discharge. In this study, a simple and efficient method using 1-octanol:isooctane (2:8, v /v) as an extraction solvent and liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry was developed to measure trace levels of organic UV filters in seawater samples. This proposed method proved to be a highly sensitive, low-cost, and green analytical tool that requires minimal sample preparation. The method was validated and it exhibited favorable performance as well as acceptable accuracy (67 to 115%), precision (2.1 to 7.3%), coefficients of determination (0.9952 <  R 2  < 0.9987), sensitivity (limits of quantification [3.3 to 5.7 ng L −1 ]), and an acceptable matrix effect (87 to 99%). This methodology was successfully applied to analyze seawater taken from Kenting National Park located in the Hengchun Peninsula of southern Taiwan. Benzophenone-3 was detected at all sampling sites and at a higher concentration than the other organic UV filters. The highest concentration of benzophenone-3 was 514.6 ng L −1 in a sample collected from Baisha Beach.

The high power conversion efficiencies of small-area perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have driven interest in the development of commercial devices. Rong et al. review recent progress in addressing stability, how to allow mass production, and how to maintain uniformity of large-area films. They note that lifetimes exceeding 10,000 hours under 1 sun (1 kW/m 2 ) illumination have been reported for printable triple mesoscopic PSCs. Science , this issue p. eaat8235 Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have witnessed rapidly rising power conversion efficiencies, together with advances in stability and upscaling. Despite these advances, their limited stability and need to prove upscaling remain crucial hurdles on the path to commercialization. We summarize recent advances toward commercially viable PSCs and discuss challenges that remain. We expound the development of standardized protocols to distinguish intrinsic and extrinsic degradation factors in perovskites. We review accelerated aging tests in both cells and modules and discuss the prediction of lifetimes on the basis of degradation kinetics. Mature photovoltaic solutions, which have demonstrated excellent long-term stability in field applications, offer the perovskite community valuable insights into clearing the hurdles to commercialization.