Scientists discover new threat to marine ecosystems: sunscreen
Now, Dr Matallana-Surget, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, is appealing to policymakers to take urgent action to tackle what she calls the invisible threat of sunscreen.
She said: 'These changes matter. By suppressing the aerobic bacteria that help degrade plastic, and selecting those that stabilise or reinforce the biofilm, UV filters would prolong the life of plastics in the ocean – making them more resistant to breakdown by sunlight or microbes.
'Targeted research and policy interventions are therefore urgently needed to mitigate these compounded ecological threats.'
Read More:
Plastic waste in the ocean provides a new surface where microbes can grow, forming slimy layers called the plastisphere. As well as forming the plastisphere, plastics also absorb other pollutants, including sunscreens washed off human skin that are insoluble in water, and these can then attach to marine plastic surfaces.
Sunscreens, like oil, are hydrophobic – meaning that they do not dissolve in water. This makes them a combined threat, as they can accumulate on plastics and remain in the environment.
Scientists have previously studied the role of the plastisphere, but little is known about how additional chemicals such as EHMC affect the microbes living on the plastic.
The new study published today (Friday) shows that when plastics are co-contaminated with EHMC, not only do pollutant-degrading bacteria like Marinomonas decline, but bacteria like Pseudomonas develop more proteins that stabilise biofilms and improve their ability to survive.
Pseudomonas includes species known for being resilient in polluted environments and for their ability to break down a wide range of contaminants including pesticides, heavy metals and hydrocarbons. However, some Pseudomonas strains are also classified as opportunistic pathogens, capable of causing serious infections that can require antibiotic treatment – raising potential public health concerns that researchers hope will be further investigated.
One key finding of the study is the much higher level of a protein called outer membrane porin F (OprF) in Pseudomonas that was exposed to EHMC. This protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of biofilms, protective layers that help bacteria survive hostile environments.
Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget (Image: University of Stirling)Researchers also observed a shift toward anaerobic respiration – where cells can generate energy in the absence of oxygen – revealing a complete shift in the microbial metabolism within the plastisphere.
The research shows that EHMC could hinder the development of useful aerobic bacteria that help break down plastic pollutants at an early stage, by favouring more stress-tolerant anaerobic biofilm-forming bacteria.
Dr Matallana-Surget added: 'The UV-protective properties of EHMC, combined with its suppression of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, may indirectly protect plastics from photodegradation and biodegradation, further contributing to their persistence in marine environments.
'This impact, combined with the enrichment of potentially pathogenic bacteria, raises significant concerns for ecosystem stability and human health, particularly in coastal regions with high rates of tourism, and high levels of plastic pollution.'
The paper, The Invisible Threats of Sunscreen as a Plastic Co-Pollutant: Impact of a Common Organic UV Filter on Biofilm Formation and Metabolic Function in the Nascent Marine Plastisphere, is published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
Dr Matallana-Surget led the research in collaboration with Dr Charlotte Lee – who undertook the core experimental work – and Dr Lauren Messer at the University of Stirling, alongside Professor Ruddy Wattiez at the University of Mons in Belgium.
The project, which stemmed from Dr Matallana-Surget's initial concept of investigating the emerging double pollution issue, has built on 15 years of joint work between the teams in Stirling and Mons.
Research was funded by the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the National Research Foundation Singapore. It was further supported by the European Regional Development Fund and the Walloon Region, Belgium.
It builds on previous research published last year by Dr Matallana-Surget which uncovered the crucial roles of bacteria living on plastic debris.
Dr Matallana-Surget has also published a study assessing the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on microscopic seawater bacteria that perform a significant role in ecosystem functioning.
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The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
New threat to marine life discovered: sunscreen meeting plastic
Scientists at the University of Stirling led by Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget carried out the analysis, which is the first to study co-pollution – where plastics in the sea act as carriers for other chemical contaminants, including ultraviolet (UV) filters from sunscreen. Now, Dr Matallana-Surget, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, is appealing to policymakers to take urgent action to tackle what she calls the invisible threat of sunscreen. She said: 'These changes matter. By suppressing the aerobic bacteria that help degrade plastic, and selecting those that stabilise or reinforce the biofilm, UV filters would prolong the life of plastics in the ocean – making them more resistant to breakdown by sunlight or microbes. 'Targeted research and policy interventions are therefore urgently needed to mitigate these compounded ecological threats.' Read More: Plastic waste in the ocean provides a new surface where microbes can grow, forming slimy layers called the plastisphere. As well as forming the plastisphere, plastics also absorb other pollutants, including sunscreens washed off human skin that are insoluble in water, and these can then attach to marine plastic surfaces. Sunscreens, like oil, are hydrophobic – meaning that they do not dissolve in water. This makes them a combined threat, as they can accumulate on plastics and remain in the environment. Scientists have previously studied the role of the plastisphere, but little is known about how additional chemicals such as EHMC affect the microbes living on the plastic. The new study, published today, shows that when plastics are co-contaminated with EHMC, not only do pollutant-degrading bacteria like Marinomonas decline, but bacteria like Pseudomonas develop more proteins that stabilise biofilms and improve their ability to survive. Pseudomonas includes species known for being resilient in polluted environments and for their ability to break down a wide range of contaminants including pesticides, heavy metals and hydrocarbons. However, some Pseudomonas strains are also classified as opportunistic pathogens, capable of causing serious infections that can require antibiotic treatment – raising potential public health concerns that researchers hope will be further investigated. One key finding of the study is the much higher level of a protein called outer membrane porin F (OprF) in Pseudomonas that was exposed to EHMC. This protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of biofilms, protective layers that help bacteria survive hostile environments. Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget (Image: University of Stirling)Researchers also observed a shift toward anaerobic respiration – where cells can generate energy in the absence of oxygen – revealing a complete shift in the microbial metabolism within the plastisphere. The research shows that EHMC could hinder the development of useful aerobic bacteria that help break down plastic pollutants at an early stage, by favouring more stress-tolerant anaerobic biofilm-forming bacteria. Dr Matallana-Surget added: 'The UV-protective properties of EHMC, combined with its suppression of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, may indirectly protect plastics from photodegradation and biodegradation, further contributing to their persistence in marine environments. 'This impact, combined with the enrichment of potentially pathogenic bacteria, raises significant concerns for ecosystem stability and human health, particularly in coastal regions with high rates of tourism, and high levels of plastic pollution.' The paper, The Invisible Threats of Sunscreen as a Plastic Co-Pollutant: Impact of a Common Organic UV Filter on Biofilm Formation and Metabolic Function in the Nascent Marine Plastisphere, is published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. Dr Matallana-Surget led the research in collaboration with Dr Charlotte Lee – who undertook the core experimental work – and Dr Lauren Messer at the University of Stirling, alongside Professor Ruddy Wattiez at the University of Mons in Belgium. The project, which stemmed from Dr Matallana-Surget's initial concept of investigating the emerging double pollution issue, has built on 15 years of joint work between the teams in Stirling and Mons. Research was funded by the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the National Research Foundation Singapore. It was further supported by the European Regional Development Fund and the Walloon Region, Belgium. It builds on previous research published last year by Dr Matallana-Surget which uncovered the crucial roles of bacteria living on plastic debris. Dr Matallana-Surget has also published a study assessing the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on microscopic seawater bacteria that perform a significant role in ecosystem functioning.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Scientists discover new threat to marine ecosystems: sunscreen
Scientists at the University of Stirling led by Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget carried out the analysis, which is the first to study co-pollution – where plastics in the sea act as carriers for other chemical contaminants, including ultraviolet (UV) filters from sunscreen. Now, Dr Matallana-Surget, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, is appealing to policymakers to take urgent action to tackle what she calls the invisible threat of sunscreen. She said: 'These changes matter. By suppressing the aerobic bacteria that help degrade plastic, and selecting those that stabilise or reinforce the biofilm, UV filters would prolong the life of plastics in the ocean – making them more resistant to breakdown by sunlight or microbes. 'Targeted research and policy interventions are therefore urgently needed to mitigate these compounded ecological threats.' Read More: Plastic waste in the ocean provides a new surface where microbes can grow, forming slimy layers called the plastisphere. As well as forming the plastisphere, plastics also absorb other pollutants, including sunscreens washed off human skin that are insoluble in water, and these can then attach to marine plastic surfaces. Sunscreens, like oil, are hydrophobic – meaning that they do not dissolve in water. This makes them a combined threat, as they can accumulate on plastics and remain in the environment. Scientists have previously studied the role of the plastisphere, but little is known about how additional chemicals such as EHMC affect the microbes living on the plastic. The new study published today (Friday) shows that when plastics are co-contaminated with EHMC, not only do pollutant-degrading bacteria like Marinomonas decline, but bacteria like Pseudomonas develop more proteins that stabilise biofilms and improve their ability to survive. Pseudomonas includes species known for being resilient in polluted environments and for their ability to break down a wide range of contaminants including pesticides, heavy metals and hydrocarbons. However, some Pseudomonas strains are also classified as opportunistic pathogens, capable of causing serious infections that can require antibiotic treatment – raising potential public health concerns that researchers hope will be further investigated. One key finding of the study is the much higher level of a protein called outer membrane porin F (OprF) in Pseudomonas that was exposed to EHMC. This protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of biofilms, protective layers that help bacteria survive hostile environments. Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget (Image: University of Stirling)Researchers also observed a shift toward anaerobic respiration – where cells can generate energy in the absence of oxygen – revealing a complete shift in the microbial metabolism within the plastisphere. The research shows that EHMC could hinder the development of useful aerobic bacteria that help break down plastic pollutants at an early stage, by favouring more stress-tolerant anaerobic biofilm-forming bacteria. Dr Matallana-Surget added: 'The UV-protective properties of EHMC, combined with its suppression of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, may indirectly protect plastics from photodegradation and biodegradation, further contributing to their persistence in marine environments. 'This impact, combined with the enrichment of potentially pathogenic bacteria, raises significant concerns for ecosystem stability and human health, particularly in coastal regions with high rates of tourism, and high levels of plastic pollution.' The paper, The Invisible Threats of Sunscreen as a Plastic Co-Pollutant: Impact of a Common Organic UV Filter on Biofilm Formation and Metabolic Function in the Nascent Marine Plastisphere, is published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. Dr Matallana-Surget led the research in collaboration with Dr Charlotte Lee – who undertook the core experimental work – and Dr Lauren Messer at the University of Stirling, alongside Professor Ruddy Wattiez at the University of Mons in Belgium. The project, which stemmed from Dr Matallana-Surget's initial concept of investigating the emerging double pollution issue, has built on 15 years of joint work between the teams in Stirling and Mons. Research was funded by the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the National Research Foundation Singapore. It was further supported by the European Regional Development Fund and the Walloon Region, Belgium. It builds on previous research published last year by Dr Matallana-Surget which uncovered the crucial roles of bacteria living on plastic debris. Dr Matallana-Surget has also published a study assessing the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on microscopic seawater bacteria that perform a significant role in ecosystem functioning.
The Independent
21-03-2025
- The Independent
Mystery of century-old stained glass, sent in anonymous package to abbey, solved
A mystery surrounding stained-glass window fragments anonymously returned to a historic Scottish abbey has been solved. In November 2020, a box containing 49 shards arrived at the Abbey Church, part of 950-year-old Dunfermline Abbey. The box was addressed to the fictitious 'Bob Brewse'. The package, opened by Reverend Dr MaryAnn Rennie, held the fragments wrapped in a copy of the Fife and Kinross Extra newspaper, dated February 12, 2005. A typewritten note was also inside, sent from an anonymous person who identified themselves only as 'CEEPS'. They explained that they had discovered the glass near scaffolding two decades prior and felt remorse for taking it. 'I wrapped it up in paper to protect it but never had the chance to return it,' they wrote. 'Unsure if was new glass going in or old coming out. 'I felt a bit guilty taking it and hope it will get used. Regards, CEEPS.' The discovery baffled the abbey's minister and congregation, who were unable to match the fragments to any of the church's 10 intact stained-glass windows. However, experts have now identified the origin of the mysterious pieces, saying they were originally part of the church's Margaret Window. The window was designed by Alexander Strachan and is nearly a century old, dating from 1932. It shows the marriage of Queen Margaret and King Malcolm Canmore, which took place around 1070. Dr Rennie turned to Professor Michael Penman, Professor of History at the University of Stirling, for help in 2023, after appeals for information on social media proved fruitless. Professor Penman looked at old Kirk Session records dating back to the early 1980s to work out when damage was caused to stained glass windows at the Abbey Church or when repairs were made. He also enlisted the help of his friend, scientist Dr Craig Kennedy of the Institute for Sustainable Building Design at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Dr Kennedy tested the shards and fragments using the university's electron microscopy facility and x-ray fluorescence to identify the elements present, which in turn revealed the colour of the glass and where it came from. The ingredients used to make the glass – lead, potassium, arsenic and sulphur – meant Dr Kennedy was able to determine that it was made between the 1870s and the 1930s. Vivienne Kelly, a PhD student supervised by Dr Kennedy and an expert stained-glass conservator who specialises in 19th and 20th century glass, was also involved. The Glasgow School of Art graduate focused on studying four large pieces to identify the imagery. She determined that they depicted an angel's wing, the knotwork hem of a noble's robe, the hair of an angel and a thistle motif that was repeatedly used in a window design. Ms Kelly visited the Abbey Church, built in 1821 in the Fife town, and eventually worked out that the stained-glass pieces were originally part of the Margaret Window in the south transept. She could see where the glass had been replaced as the colour and texture of the material used was slightly different to the original pieces. Dr Rennie said: 'We are delighted that the mystery of where this glass originally came from has finally been unravelled. 'We still have no idea who CEEPS is and why they decided to return it to the abbey when they did, but we are grateful.' Ms Kelly said her 'best guess' is the Margaret Window was struck and damaged by a scaffolding pole during refurbishment work in the late 1990s. She added: 'But unless CEEPS comes forward, the full circumstances behind the disappearance and reappearance of the glass will remain an intriguing part of the abbey's history.' Meanwhile, the name 'Bob Brewse' is understood to be a playful reference to King Robert the Bruce, whose remains are interred in the church. The Abbey Church is facing a repair bill of about £4 million to ensure it remains wind and watertight and a further £4 million to upgrade its facilities, and has launched a fundraising appeal. The stained glass pieces will be on display at an exhibition examining the role of the church in the local community and its history, which runs at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries from March 22 to April 6.
