Bioaccumulation of UV Filter Chemicals in Lumbriculus Variegatus - Sadie Gorman
Hometown: Nassau, New York
Class Year: 2008
Major: Biochemistry Minor: Mathematics
Research Advisor: Professor Laura MacManus-Spencer
Project Description:
UV filter chemicals, such as those found in sunscreen, cosmetics, and other personal care products have been detected in wastewater and surface waters. Previous work in he MacManus-Spencer research lab has shown that they stick to sediment strongly, because of their hydrophobicity. There is concern that they also may accumulate in organisms that live in the sediment, which could be a potential health hazard. I am looking at the bioaccumulative tendencies of two commonly used UV filter chemicals, Benzophenone-3 and Octyl-Methoxy Cinnamate, in the worm Lumbriculus Variegatus.