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Unveiling the hidden threat of microplastics to coral reefs in remote South Atlantic islands
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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.
The widespread presence of marine microplastics (< 5 mm) is a significant concern, as it may harm marine biodiversity and ocean ecosystems. Corals' capacity to ingest microplastics has emerged as a significant threat to reef ecosystems, owing to the detrimental physiological and ecological effects it can trigger. The extent of the impact of microplastics on Brazilian corals remains unclear and this study aimed to investigate its distribution and characteristics in four coral species: Favia gravida, Mussismilia hispida, Montastrea cavernosa, and Siderastrea stellata, found in the Trindade and Martim Vaz Islands - the most isolated archipelago of Brazil, located about 1200 km (680 miles) east of the coast. This study aims to reveal the extent of microplastic distribution in the coral reef environment, assess the amount of microplastics in different coral species, and compare each species' capacity to adhere and accumulate microplastics. A high concentration of ingested and adhered microplastics was detected in all coral species evaluated in the present study. No significant differences were observed in the sampling points which indicates that although the sampling points are located at different distances from the coast, the microplastic pollution is equally distributed in the region. Polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Rayon, and Nylon particles were detected, with a predominance of PE (45.5 %). No significant differences in microplastic concentration were detected among the various species and locations studied. Our research presents findings that demonstrate the extensive occurrence of microplastic contamination in coral colonies located on remote islands.
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Plastics are a new threat to Palau’s coral reefs
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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.
Contamination of microplastics in tropical coral reef ecosystems of Sri Lanka
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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.
First detection of microplastics in reef-building corals from a Maldivian atoll
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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.
Microplastics in the Ocean and their Consequences: Coral Reef Case Study
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Microplastic pollution in a rapidly changing world: Implications for remote and vulnerable marine ecosystems
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Researchers reviewed the growing body of evidence on microplastic pollution reaching remote and vulnerable marine ecosystems far from major human activities. The study highlights that these ecosystems, already under stress from climate change, face additional threats from microplastic contamination whose long-term biological and ecological effects remain poorly understood.
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