Inhibition of photosynthesis in cucumber leaves by oxybenzone

Oxybenzone (OBZ), a popular additive in sunscreen, can protect human skin by blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun (Baker et al. 2015). In addition to being used in sunscreens, OBZ is also widely used in perfumes, shampoos, lip balms, and other pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) (Aguirre et al. 1992, Emonet et al. 2001, Kasichayanula et al. 2007). OBZ can enter rivers, lakes, groundwater, sewage, and so on through human activities and was identified as an 'emerging environmental pollutant' by the Environmental Protection Agency of the USA (Rodil et al. 2012, Agüera et al. 2013). With the rise in coastal tourism, a large number of coral reefs in coastal areas are being exposed to water containing OBZ (Barón et al. 2013, Tashiro and Kameda 2013). OBZ, as a pseudo-persistent pollutant, has a long-term toxic effect on the environment (Vione et al. 2013).