We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Contamination of microplastics in tropical coral reef ecosystems of Sri Lanka
Summary
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.
Microplastics (MPs) in different marine compartments are a global concern. This study investigated the abundance, distribution, and characteristics of microplastics from ten coral reef ecosystems in Sri Lanka, a non-quantified threat for some context. Microplastics were isolated and quantified in terms of abundance, shape, size, color, and polymer type with average abundances 546.7 ± 170.3 items kg, 9.8 ± 7.6 items m, and 46.3 ± 29.7 items kg in corals, water, and sediments respectively. The most dominant microplastic type was blue, LDPE fibres. Acropora exhibited the highest amount. The significant differences in average microplastic abundances among corals suggest that they are capable of enriching microplastics depending on species-specific characteristics. Similar microplastic characteristics in corals and reef environment indicate that corals may have enriched microplastics from surface water and surface sediments. Microplastics being ubiquitous in selected reefs highlights the importance of coral reefs as a long-term microplastic sink in the ocean, contributing to the missing plastic phenomena.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic pollution status in the coral reef ecosystems on the Southern and Western coasts of Sri Lanka during the Southwest monsoon
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.
Unveiling the hidden threat of microplastics to coral reefs in remote South Atlantic islands
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination of coral reefs on remote South Atlantic islands, finding widespread microplastic presence in reef environments and raising concerns about the physiological and ecological harm to coral ecosystems far from human population centers.
First detection of microplastics in reef-building corals from a Maldivian atoll
Researchers conducted the first survey of microplastic contamination in reef-building corals from a Maldivian atoll, examining 38 coral colonies across three species. They found that 58% of colonies contained microplastic particles in the 25-150 micrometer size range. The study provides initial evidence that even remote coral reef ecosystems in the Indian Ocean are affected by microplastic pollution, raising concerns about potential impacts on coral health.
Plastics are a new threat to Palau’s coral reefs
Researchers detected microplastics in seawater, sediments, and beach sand around the pristine coral reef system of Palau, confirming that even remote, well-protected marine environments are not free from plastic pollution and highlighting the global reach of this contamination.
Assessment of microplastic pollution in corals, seawater, and marine sediments in the Gulf of Thailand
Researchers assessed microplastic occurrence, abundance, and characteristics in coral, seawater, and sediment samples from two reef sites in the Gulf of Thailand, detecting microplastics in all coral samples at concentrations ranging from 0.24 to 2.60 particles per gram and finding spatial variability across reef species and sites.