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Oxybenzone

A chemical found in sunscreen products that protects against UV lights and is released into the environment by swimmers and wastewater discharge.

Coral Planulae

Young coral organisms that show reduced movement and morphology when exposed to oxybenzone, with a median LC50 of 3.1 mg/L.

Toxins

Toxicants produced by living organisms, classified into microbial, mycotoxins, algal, plant, and animal toxins.

Microbial Toxins

Toxic substances produced by microorganisms with high molecular weight and antigenic properties, such as botulinus toxin and tetanus toxin.

Bt Toxins

Crystal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis used as insecticides, binding to insect midgut and disrupting cell membranes.

Aflatoxin B1

A potent carcinogen produced by molds, targeting the liver and found in improperly stored food like grains.

Algal Toxins

Toxins produced by algae causing shellfish poisoning, including ASP, NSP, DSP, and CFP.

Giant Hogweed

Plant sap causing burns, blisters, and scarring due to phototoxic furanocoumarins reacting with DNA upon exposure to radiation.

Venomous vs

Animals can be venomous (actively inject venom) or poisonous (passively harmful), accumulating toxins or producing venom for defense or offense.

Bee Venom Components

Apamin, Melittin peptide, Mast cell degranulating peptide, and Hyaluronidase, each with specific functions affecting the nervous system and tissues.

Saxitoxin

Algal toxin inhibiting neuron function, produced by dinoflagellates, causing human and seabird deaths.

Toxicity Event

Involves generation, release, movement, exposure, and response to contaminants, leading to adverse effects.

Point vs

Point sources directly release toxicants (e.g., sewage), while non-point sources indirectly release toxicants (e.g., pesticides).

Contaminant Sources

Accidental release, intentional release, deliberate application, and urban runoff contribute to contaminant sources.

Water Solubility

Maximum amount of substance that can dissolve in water at equilibrium.

KOW

Octanol-water partition coefficient measuring a compound's hydrophobicity.

Henry's Law Coefficient

Ratio of vapour pressure to water solubility impacting the escape of gases from water to air.

Environmental Half-life

Duration for a compound to degrade in the environment, influenced by chemical structure and environmental conditions.

Loss of Contaminants

Processes like hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis, radioactive decay, complexation, burial, and dilution contribute to contaminant loss.

Long-range Transport

Contaminants travel from their origin over long distances via air or water, impacting distant environments.