Photo: Saliemolini/pexels
Chemicals used in LCD screens that are discarded as electronic waste have been found accumulating in the bodies of endangered marine mammals, raising new concerns about hidden threats to ocean health. The findings were published in February 25, 2026 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, issued by the American Chemical Society.
The study reports that liquid crystal monomers, or LCMs — key components in LCD screens used in televisions, laptops, and smartphones — were detected in the tissues of several cetacean species in the South China Sea. Until recently, these chemicals had received little attention in marine pollution research, which has largely focused on microplastics and heavy metals.
The research was led by Yuhe He of the City University of Hong Kong. According to He, the findings show that chemicals embedded in everyday electronic devices are entering marine ecosystems and accumulating in top predators.
“Our research reveals that LCMs from everyday electronics are not just pollution — they’re accumulating in the brains of endangered dolphins and porpoises,” He said in a statement.
He described the results as a warning about the unintended environmental consequences of rapid technological growth. “This is a wake-up call. The chemicals powering our devices are now infiltrating marine life, and we must act now on e-waste to protect ocean health and, ultimately, ourselves,” he said.
Researchers analyzed tissue samples from Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and finless porpoises collected through conservation monitoring programs and stranded animal investigations. They identified two to four dominant LCM compounds at measurable concentrations in various organs.
Detected in Brain Tissue
One of the most alarming findings was the detection of LCMs in brain tissue, suggesting that these compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier, the biological defense system that typically prevents harmful substances from entering the brain.
In addition to tissue analysis, the team conducted laboratory experiments using dolphin cell cultures. The results showed that certain LCMs altered gene expression linked to neurological function and metabolism. While the study did not establish direct clinical harm in wild animals, the molecular changes point to potential biological risks.
The presence of LCMs in vital organs indicates long-term exposure and bioaccumulation. Scientists say the findings highlight a previously underrecognized category of marine pollutants associated with electronic waste.
Researchers believe LCMs enter the ocean primarily through poorly managed electronic waste. As discarded devices break down, their chemical components can leach into soil and waterways, eventually reaching coastal and offshore environments.
Once in the marine ecosystem, the compounds can be absorbed by small organisms and move up the food chain. As small fish are eaten by larger predators, chemical concentrations increase through biomagnification. Dolphins and porpoises, as apex predators, are particularly vulnerable to accumulating higher levels of contaminants.
The discovery adds LCMs to the growing list of anthropogenic chemicals detected in marine wildlife. While plastics and oil pollution have dominated headlines for decades, scientists say emerging contaminants linked to modern consumer technology deserve greater scrutiny.
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Conservation Implications
The cetacean species examined in the study already face multiple stressors, including habitat degradation, vessel traffic, underwater noise, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear. Additional exposure to synthetic chemicals could intensify existing pressures.
Although the study does not claim that LCM exposure directly causes disease or mortality, researchers stress that accumulation in brain and other vital tissues is cause for concern. They are calling for expanded environmental monitoring and improved management of electronic waste to prevent further contamination.
With global consumption of electronic devices continuing to rise, the potential release of LCMs into the environment is expected to grow. Without stronger recycling systems and chemical oversight, these compounds could persist and spread throughout marine ecosystems.
The Current State of Dolphins
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and finless porpoises are already considered vulnerable in several parts of their range. Coastal development, pollution, and heavy maritime activity have fragmented habitats critical for feeding and breeding.
These species reproduce slowly, meaning population recovery can take decades. Even modest increases in mortality or declines in reproductive success can have long-term consequences. Conservationists have reported population declines in parts of East and Southeast Asia, particularly in heavily industrialized coastal regions.
In recent years, there have also been increased reports of stranded or weakened dolphins along some Asian coastlines. Marine biologists note that chronic environmental stress — including exposure to pollutants — can compromise immune systems and make animals more susceptible to disease.
The study published in Environmental Science & Technology underscores that the threats facing dolphins are no longer limited to fishing nets or ship strikes. Chemical traces from modern consumer electronics are now part of the environmental burden confronting these marine mammals, adding urgency to calls for stronger environmental safeguards and responsible e-waste management. (Wage Erlangga)
