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Microplastic attachment in the scleractinian coral Pocillopora sp. is affected by colony complexity
Summary
This study found that the structural complexity of coral colonies affects how readily microplastics stick to them, with more architecturally intricate Pocillopora corals trapping more particles. This is significant because microplastic accumulation on corals can physically and chemically stress reef ecosystems, and colony shape may determine which reefs are most at risk.
Microplastic attachment in the scleractinian coral Pocillopora sp. is affected by colony complexity
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Microplastic attachment in the scleractinian coral Pocillopora sp. is affected by colony complexity
This study found that the structural complexity of coral colonies affects how readily microplastics stick to them, with more architecturally intricate Pocillopora corals trapping more particles. This is significant because microplastic accumulation on corals can physically and chemically stress reef ecosystems, and colony shape may determine which reefs are most at risk.
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