We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic pollution status in the coral reef ecosystems on the Southern and Western coasts of Sri Lanka during the Southwest monsoon
Summary
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in six coral reef ecosystems along Sri Lanka's southern and western coasts during monsoon season. They found that small blue fibers were the dominant type, and that microplastic levels in corals were strongly linked to concentrations in surrounding water and sediment. The study suggests that while current contamination levels are relatively low, microplastics may still threaten coral health and warrant further monitoring.
We investigated the microplastics (MP) abundance, characteristics and pollution severity in the six coral reef ecosystems along the southern and western coasts of Sri Lanka during the southwest monsoon. The small blue-coloured fibres dominated within coral reefs and reef environments. The average coral, surface water and surface sediment MP concentration were 806.64 ± 93.72 particles kgww, 23.42 ± 5.01 particles m, and 54.11 ± 8.04 particles kgdw, respectively. Coral MP concentration was significantly correlated with surface water (r = 0.65) and surface sediments (r = 0.59) indicating that the reef environment was the source of coral MP enrichment. Coral MP concentration was spatially different (p < 0.05) which may likely be due to the changes in winds, waves, coral biology and plastic sources. MP Pollution Load Index indicated that low MP contamination hazard. Since the presence of MP often deteriorates coral's health, further investigations are necessary to understand the MP's effects on the health of coral reef ecosystems.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Contamination of microplastics in tropical coral reef ecosystems of Sri Lanka
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across ten coral reef ecosystems in Sri Lanka, finding microplastics in corals, water, and sediments with fibers and fragments being the dominant types, representing a previously unquantified threat to tropical reef systems.
Water quality and floating microplastics pollution along Southern to Northwestern Coast, Sri Lanka
Researchers surveyed microplastic levels and water quality at 12 coastal sites along Sri Lanka's western and southern coast, finding microplastics present at all locations with fibers being the dominant form. The study also found correlations between microplastic abundance and certain water quality parameters, suggesting that areas with poorer water quality tended to have higher plastic loads. The research adds to growing evidence that South Asian coastal waters are significantly contaminated with microplastics, with potential implications for marine food webs and fishing communities.
Evidence of microplastics pollution in coastal beaches and waters in southern Sri Lanka
Researchers found microplastic pollution along 91 km of coastline in southern Sri Lanka, with 60% of beach sand sites and 70% of surface water sites testing positive, characterizing the polymers, shapes, and colors present across the sampled coastal environments.
Sampling and Analysis of Microplastics in the Coastal Environments of Sri Lanka: Estuaries of the Kelani River to Mahaoya
Microplastics were found in both beach sediments and coastal seawater along 42 kilometers of Sri Lanka's western coastline, with polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene being the most common types. The results document significant plastic contamination along the coast of a densely populated South Asian nation, raising concerns about exposure for coastal communities and marine life in the Indian Ocean region.
Microplastics in coral from three Mascarene Islands, Western Indian Ocean
Researchers compared microplastic concentrations, morphotypes, sizes, colors, and polymer compositions across six coral genera from three remote Mascarene Islands in the western Indian Ocean over a 1200 km transect. Microplastics were detected in all coral genera across all islands, with polymer types and concentrations reflecting both local and long-range ocean transport of plastic debris.