Foam Parties Killing Us

by: Raymond Sucgang , Senior Researcher DOST-PNRI

Foam parties are popular for their fun atmosphere, but they can have detrimental effects on the marine environment due to the chemical composition of the foam used. Here’s a chemistry-based explanation:
Surfactants and Marine Life: The primary ingredient in foam is surfactants, which are chemicals that lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to foam. Common surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These compounds, when washed into the ocean or other bodies of water, can disrupt the cell membranes of marine organisms. This disruption can lead to increased permeability, causing essential ions and nutrients to leak out of the cells, ultimately leading to cell death.
Toxic Additives: Many foam products contain other additives, such as dyes, fragrances, and preservatives. Some of these additives are toxic to aquatic life. For example, certain synthetic fragrances are known to be persistent in the environment, accumulating in the tissues of marine organisms. This bioaccumulation can disrupt the endocrine systems of fish and other wildlife, leading to reproductive and developmental problems.
Oxygen Depletion: When foam from parties washes into the ocean, it can create a layer on the water’s surface that hinders gas exchange between the water and the atmosphere. This layer can reduce the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water, leading to hypoxic conditions. Marine organisms, particularly those that are less mobile like shellfish, may suffer or die due to the lack of oxygen, which is essential for their survival.
Nutrient Imbalance and Algal Blooms: Some foam solutions contain phosphates or other nutrients that can contribute to eutrophication when they enter aquatic systems. Eutrophication leads to excessive growth of algae, which can deplete oxygen in the water and block sunlight from reaching deeper waters. The result is often dead zones where most marine life cannot survive.
Chemical Persistence: Many of the chemicals in foam solutions are not easily biodegradable. They persist in the environment, gradually breaking down into smaller compounds that may still be harmful. These persistent organic pollutants can travel through the food chain, affecting a wide range of marine organisms, from plankton to large fish, and even humans who consume seafood.
In summary, the chemicals used in foam parties, particularly surfactants, toxic additives, and non-biodegradable compounds, can have severe consequences for marine environments. These effects include damage to marine life at the cellular level, disruption of ecosystems through oxygen depletion and algal blooms, and long-term environmental persistence that can affect the entire food chain.