Effects of oxybenzone on zebrafish behavior and cognition

The increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the Earth's surface increased the need for UV filters products. One of the most used is oxybenzone, which is indiscriminately released in the environment. Oxybenzone's ecotoxicological effects on physiology have been investigated because of the bioaccumulation and action as an endocrine disruptor. However, little is known about its effects on behavior or cognition. In this study, we approach the effects of short-term oxybenzone exposure on locomotion, anxiety-like, social behavior, and short-term memory in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Adult zebrafish were exposed to oxybenzone 10, 100 and 1000 μg L-1 for 15 days and then tested (novel tank, shoal preference, mirror test, and T-maze with novelty). Fish exposed to oxybenzone showed reduced locomotion, decreased anxiety-like behavior, less time near/interacting with the shoal, fewer interactions with the mirror image, and decreased exploration of the novel arm in the T-maze test. These results suggest that oxybenzone affects perception, increases risk-taking, impairs proper aggressive response, and jeopardizes the animals' ability to retain information. These results reinforce the risk posed by products discarded into the aquatic ecosystems, especially those with underestimated toxic potential.