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Predicting microplastic dynamics in coral reefs: presence, distribution, and bioavailability through field data and numerical simulation analysis
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Researchers combined field sampling at Australia's Lizard Island with numerical hydrodynamic modeling to map microplastic distribution across reef habitats and assess bioavailability to corals, fish, sponges, and other species. Sediment was the dominant accumulation zone, biota contained microplastics at concentrations reflecting feeding strategies, and model simulations predicted particle trajectories within the reef system.
Understanding distribution and bioavailability of microplastics is vital for conducting ecological risk assessments (ERA) and developing mitigation strategies in marine environments. This study couples in situ data from Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef) and numerical modelling and simulations to determine microplastic abundances in abiotic (water and sediment) and biotic (planktivorous fish, sea squirts, sponges, corals, and sea cucumbers) compartments and predict their trajectories within this ecosystem. Results show microplastics predominantly (75%) originate from beached plastics from nearby islands and coastal areas, dispersing northward without local entrapment and settlement likely occurring on northern beaches (> 50%), including Papua New Guinea. Concentrations increased by three orders of magnitude with depth, with distinct profiles: surface waters contained more fragments and low-density polymers at concentrations of < 1 microplastics m-3, and deeper layers more fibres and high-density polymers, with concentrations peaking at the seafloor at > 100 microplastics m-3. Reflecting ecological and physiological traits of each taxon, fish exhibited microplastic contamination levels nearly twice that observed in invertebrates, and while polymers and colours had no stronger evidences on influencing bioavailability, shape and size did, with fish more susceptible to contamination by microplastic fibres and all taxa to smaller-sized microplastic particles.
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Microplastic contamination of coral reef fish larvae of the Great Barrier Reef: baseline data and influences of oceanographic and ecological features
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Researchers found microplastics in coral reef fish larvae collected from the Great Barrier Reef, with particles concentrated by the same oceanographic processes that aggregate zooplankton prey. The similarity in size between microplastics and natural prey items increases the likelihood of accidental ingestion by larvae.
Modeling the spatiotemporal distribution, bioaccumulation, and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: A review
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Researchers modeled the spatiotemporal distribution and ecological risk of microplastics across a coastal marine environment, incorporating hydrodynamic data and bioaccumulation factors for multiple species. The model predicted highest microplastic concentrations near urban outflows with risk extending through the food web.
Predicting the exposure of coastal species to plastic pollution in a complex island archipelago.
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This study used a fine-resolution hydrodynamic model to predict where plastic pollution accumulates along the Whitsunday Islands in Australia, finding that both local and distant sources contribute to exposure risks for coral reefs, mangroves, and sea turtle nesting sites. The results demonstrate that locally targeted management can meaningfully reduce plastic exposure to high-value coastal habitats.
The Distribution and Impact of Microplastics on Coral Reefs: an Ecosystem Approach
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This study examines the distribution and ecological impact of microplastics on coral reef ecosystems, providing a Ph.D.-level ecosystem approach to understanding how microplastic pollution affects reef health and biodiversity.
Exploring Microplastic Interactions with Reef-Building Corals Across Flow Conditions
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Researchers examined how reef-building corals interact with microplastics under varying flow conditions, investigating whether active ingestion or passive adhesion dominates microplastic removal and which particle types and sizes are most readily captured by coral structures.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.