We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Physiological responses of Mediterranean octocorals to prolonged exposure to ecologically relevant microplastic concentrations
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed two Mediterranean gorgonian coral species to a mixture of PET, polystyrene, and polypropylene microplastics for three months and assessed their physiological responses. They found that the corals ingested microplastics and showed measurable changes in respiration and feeding performance, though responses varied between species. The study provides evidence that even ecologically relevant concentrations of microplastics can affect the health of habitat-forming octocorals over extended exposure periods.
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive contaminants in the Mediterranean Sea, yet their long-term effects on habitat-forming octocorals remain poorly understood. Here, we experimentally evaluated the physiological responses of the gorgonians Eunicella singularis and Paramuricea clavata after three months of exposure to a mixture of PET, PS, and PP particles. Respiration, feeding performance, organic matter content, MP ingestion and histological condition were assessed at the end of the experiment. MP exposure significantly reduced respiration rates in both species, indicating metabolic depression and potential energy-conservation responses, while prey capture and organic matter content remained stable. Both gorgonians ingested MPs, dominated by PET, with species-specific differences in particle number and size retention. No tissue damage or structural alterations were detected, suggesting effective clearance rather than long-term retention. Overall, prolonged exposure produced limited physiological impairment, although metabolic adjustments may represent sublethal energetic trade-offs with implications for long-term resilience under future stress scenarios.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of ecotoxicological effects of small microplastics on Mediterranean corals.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the ecotoxicological effects of micro- and nano-plastics on Mediterranean gorgonian corals using field-representative polymer compositions and concentrations, with particular focus on energy allocation to metabolism, growth, and reproduction, as well as transgenerational impacts. The study addressed a gap in tropical-dominated coral microplastics research by examining temperate Mediterranean species.
Responses of reef building corals to microplastic exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed six species of small-polyp stony corals to polyethylene microplastics to characterize their responses and potential health effects. They found that corals interacted with the particles through ingestion and adhesion, with responses varying by species and coral morphology. The study suggests that microplastic exposure could affect reef-building corals, which are already under stress from climate change and ocean acidification.
Impact of polyethylene microplastics on coral Goniopora columna causing oxidative stress and histopathology damages
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the coral Goniopora columna to different concentrations of polyethylene microplastics over seven days. They found that the microplastics accumulated on and inside the corals, reduced polyp length, disrupted zooxanthellae density, and triggered oxidative stress as indicated by changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and increased tissue damage. The findings suggest that microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to coral health through both physical and biochemical pathways.
Physiological stress response of the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata exposed to polyethylene microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata to polyethylene microplastics at varying concentrations, finding that high concentrations reduced photosynthetic efficiency in coral symbionts and disrupted polar metabolites, indicating physiological stress from microplastic exposure.
Multiple impacts of microplastics can threaten marine habitat-forming species
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed red coral (Corallium rubrum), a long-lived Mediterranean habitat-forming species, to microplastics and found multiple impacts including reduced polyp feeding rates, elevated oxidative stress, and shifts in skeletal growth, suggesting that even sublethal MP exposure could impair the long-term persistence of coral habitats.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.