TOXICITY OF BENZOPHENONE-3 IN CORALS SERIATOPORA CALIENDRUM

Abstract

Coral reefs are tropical ecosystems of high biodiversity that protect coastal zones, support economies, and provide habitat for numerous marine species. However, they are increasingly impacted by chemical contaminants such as benzophenone-3 (BP-3), a sunscreen agent associated with coral bleaching through the loss of zooxanthellae. This study evaluated the physiological effects of BP-3 on Seriatopora caliendrum exposed to different concentrations (0.3, 1.3, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg L^-1), in addition to controls (Control and 0.3% DMSO). Significant reductions in zooxanthellae density and chlorophyll a levels were observed, along with increased RGB values at higher concentrations, indicating progressive bleaching. The results confirm the toxicity of BP-3 and highlight its potential environmental risk to coral reef ecosystems