Student Researches Sunscreen’s Effects on Oysters

Hi! I’m Madison, a student at FLVS.

While attending a Busch Gardens camp in the summer of 2014, I learned that the park utilizes oysters to naturally filter their lakes.  I soon became fascinated with oysters, and after some research, I discovered oysters are dying globally due to pollution.

After this discovery, I formulated an experiment focusing on the effect of micronized chemical sunscreen (as used in spray sunscreen) and nanosized zinc oxide sunblock (as found in thicker, clear sunblock) on the ability of a bivalve mollusk (or oyster) to filter bay water.

It was originally hypothesized that increasing public awareness of the importance of protection from UVA and UVB rays and the consumer’s demand for lighter, less oily, and clear sun-protection is rising. As a result, manufacturers are nanosizing sun-protection ingredients to meet these demands.

Microscopic residue is being introduced into the environment, potentially harming humans and marine life.

Chemical sunscreens contain multiple chemicals, including known carcinogens, and physical sunblocks contain nanoparticle versions of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.  It was hypothesized that the oysters introduced to zinc oxide nanoparticles would experience a decrease in filtering ability. Researchers theorize that some types of nanoparticles may build up in the bivalve mollusk’s system over time and linger in their system up to three days longer than any other nutritive material.  Based on studies on the effect of chemical sunscreen on humans, it was also hypothesized that the micronized chemical sunscreen would affect the oysters negatively and rapidly.  Due to the oyster’s small size, the chemical sunscreen could also take their lives.

As predicted, the introduction of zinc oxide nanoparticles caused a gradual decline in filtration abilities of the bivalve mollusks in tank one. The nanoparticles of zinc oxide built up in the body as it was filtered in with nutritive matter consumed by the bivalve mollusk.  While the nutritive matter, like algae and phytoplankton, was digested and excreted, it left the nanoparticles of zinc oxide to remain in the system longer than the food.

The oysters introduced to the micronized chemical sunscreen experienced an extreme decrease in filtration ability and died after only five days!

This can be attributed to the chemicals and carcinogens entering the oyster’s body and affecting them on a cellular level.  As mentioned before, the microscopic size of the particles allow them to easily enter the body and cause internal damage.

As a homeschool student with FLVS, my research earned me top prizes in my regional and state science fairs. 

My top prizes allowed me the opportunity to apply to the Broadcom MASTERS national science fair competition. I was humbled when I was selected as one of the top 30 in the nation to attend the Broadcom MASTERS competition in Silicon Valley, California from October 2 – 7, 2015.

I had the incredible experience of working alongside 29 of my peers from across the United States in STEM challenges on a marine research vessel; touring Google, Tesla, and NASA; and meeting Scott McGregor, CEO of Broadcom and Eben Upton, developer of the Raspberry Pi.  The awards ceremony was attended by leaders and innovators in STEM.

I was awarded the 2nd Place STEM Math Award for my research and I am extremely honored!  My award was based on my oyster research project and data, leadership abilities in STEM challenges, presentation/communication skills, collaboration success, and expertise in my field (I was the marine biology expert in my challenge team).  For earning a place in the 2015 Broadcom Masters, I was awarded an iPad Air, a Raspberry Pi, a Wiced, $500 cash, $2,500 towards a STEM science pre-collegiate summer camp, and $1,000 to donate to the STEM program of my choice.  I am looking at attending a veterinarian summer camp at Tufts University in August.

Being a homeschool student at FLVS allowed me the flexibility to conduct my research for hours each day for several weeks.

This past year has been an incredible experience.  I would encourage other FLVS students to participate in their local, regional, and state science fairs with the possibility of applying to participate in the Broadcom MASTERS national science competition.

Post by FLVS Student, Madison Toonder

Since this post was published, Madison has had the opportunity to work with lawmakers to discuss legislation to address environmental concerns related to sunscreen. Read more from a Jacksonville news station here: Teen ‘lawmaker’ takes on Tallahassee.

Pictured: Maya Ajmera (President & CEO of Society for Science and The Public); Madison Tooner (student researcher); Scott McGregor (President & CEO of Broadcom Corporation); Paula Golden (President & Executive Director of Broadcom Foundation) [image source]