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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.
The presence of microplastics in the world's oceans and their effects on marine habitats are highly concerning. As suspension-feeders, corals are very exposed to microplastics, compromising the health of coral reef ecosystems. In this study we surveyed for the first time the presence of microplastics in Maldivian reef-building corals. Aiming to determine the influence of exposure and depth on microplastic distribution, analyses were carried out on 38 individuals belonging to three different species. 58% of the investigated colonies resulted contaminated with particles within the 25-150 μm size range. The maximum concentration was encountered in a Pocillopora verrucosa colony sampled from a shallow inner reef (8.9 particles/g of coral). No significant differences in microplastic concentration were observed between different depths, exposures, sites and species. Overall, this study confirmed microplastic presence in coral reefs of the Maldivian archipelago including foundation species.
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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.
Spatial distribution of microplastics around an inhabited coral island in the Maldives, Indian Ocean
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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.
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.
Microplastics in coral from three Mascarene Islands, Western Indian Ocean
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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.
The presence of microplastics in fishes of South Maldives
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Researchers found microplastics in the gut, gills, and flesh of two fish species collected from South Maldives, with 80% of one species containing plastic particles, indicating widespread ingestion by reef fish in this remote island nation and potential transfer into the human food chain.
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.