We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Low incidence of microplastics in coral reefs of Kāneʻohe Bay, Hawaiʻi, USA
Summary
This study measured microplastic and other micro-debris concentrations in sediment, seawater, sea cucumbers, and coral from fringing and patch reefs in Kane'ohe Bay, Hawaii. Microplastic pollution was lower than in most tropical coral reefs studied to date, though detectable concentrations were found across all sampled matrices, suggesting partial protection from open-ocean inputs by the bay's geography.
This study investigated microplastic and other micro-debris pollution in sediment, seawater, sea cucumbers, and corals from fringing and patch reefs in Kāne'ohe Bay, O'ahu, Hawai'i, USA. Microplastic pollution in Kāne'ohe Bay Bay was low compared to other tropical coral reefs. Microplastics were detected in sediments (29 %), sea cucumbers (9 %), and coral (0-2 %) samples but were not quantifiable. Seawater had quantifiable microplastic (< 0.5 mm) and macroplastic (> 0.5 mm) pollution, with mean concentrations ranging from 0.0061 to 0.081 particles m. Most particles detected in seawater samples were larger, floating plastic debris consisting mostly of polyethylene, polypropylene fragments, and fibers. Across the other matrices, the most detected particles were polyester, polypropylene, and cotton fibers. These results provide baseline data for this important coral reef ecosystem, and further monitoring is recommended to understand the seasonal and long-term trends in microplastic pollution and its potential future impacts.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Distribution and biological implications of plastic pollution on the fringing reef of Mo’orea, French Polynesia
This study quantified both macro- and microplastic pollution on the coral reef of Mo'orea in French Polynesia, finding plastic at every sampled beach and in reef sediments. The research demonstrates that even remote Pacific island coral reefs receive significant plastic contamination from oceanic gyres and local sources.
Distribution and biological implications of plastic pollution on the fringing reef of Mo’orea, French Polynesia
This study documented the distribution and biological impacts of plastic pollution on the fringing coral reef of Mo'orea in French Polynesia, finding plastics throughout the ecosystem including entanglement of corals with macroplastics. The results show that even remote, protected coral reefs are affected by the global plastic pollution crisis.
Distribution and biological implications of plastic pollution on the fringing reef of Mo’orea, French Polynesia
This study found plastic pollution at every sampled site on the fringing coral reef of Mo'orea in French Polynesia, with microplastics distributed throughout the reef and lagoon sediments. The research documents plastic contamination of a remote Pacific reef ecosystem and discusses possible effects on reef-building corals and associated species.
Spatial distribution of microplastics around an inhabited coral island in the Maldives, Indian Ocean
Researchers investigated microplastic accumulation across fore reef, reef flat, and beach sediment environments surrounding a small inhabited coral island in the Maldives, finding 1,244 individual microplastic pieces across 22 sampling sites. The study reveals that even remote inhabited islands in the Indian Ocean show significant microplastic contamination, with spatial distribution patterns reflecting local hydrodynamics and human activities.
Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in Coral Reefs at Penimbangan Waters
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance and characteristics in coral reef tissues and sediments at Penimbangan Beach, finding MPs in all 12 coral samples analyzed. Fiber and fragment types dominated, with polymers matching common fishing and packaging materials, reflecting local pollution inputs to the reef ecosystem.