Toxicity of UV Filter Benzophenone-3 in Brine Shrimp Nauplii (<i>Artemia salina</i>) and Zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>) Embryos

The benzophenone (BP) family, including oxybenzone (BP-3), a prevalent sunscreen ingredient and environmental contaminant, has raised concerns since the year 2005. This study investigated oxybenzone toxicity in zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>) eleutheroembryos and brine shrimp (<i>Artemia salina</i>) nauplii, focusing on the LC₅₀ and developmental impacts. Zebrafish embryos (0.100–1.50 mg/L BP-3, 96 h) and <i>A. salina</i> (0.100–5.00 mg/L BP-3, 48 h) were tested with ultrasound-assisted emulsified liquid-phase microextraction (UA-ELPME) used for zebrafish tissue analysis. HPLC-DAD determined BP-3 concentrations (highest: 0.74 ± 0.13 mg/L). Although no significant zebrafish embryo mortality or hatching changes occurred, developmental effects were evident. Lethal concentrations were determined (<i>A. salina</i> LC₅₀ at 24 h = 3.19 ± 2.02 mg/L; <i>D. rerio</i> embryos LC₅₀ at 24 h = 4.19 ± 3.60 mg/L), with malformations indicating potential teratogenic effects. <i>A. salina</i> displayed intestinal tract alterations and <i>D. rerio</i> embryos exhibited pericardial edema and spinal deformities. These findings highlight oxybenzone’s environmental risks, posing threats to species and ecosystem health.