We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in Seawater and Corals From Reef Region of Sanya Bay, China
Summary
Researchers quantified microplastic abundance in seawater and coral samples from Sanya Bay, China, finding 15-22 items per liter in seawater and up to 3.6 items per coral polyp, with fibers and fragments as the predominant particle types in reef ecosystems.
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is widespread in the coral reef ecosystems leading to the exposure of both corals and other biotas. Knowledge gaps still exist concerning patterns in MPs abundance spatially. This work quantified the MPs abundance and characteristics in the seawater and corals in the Sanya Bay, Hainan Island. MPs abundance was detected in the seawater and coral samples ranging from 15.50 to 22.14 items L –1 , and 0.01 to 3.60 items polyp –1 , respectively. We found the predominant size and type of MPs in seawater and corals were smaller than 2 mm and fiber. Further analysis revealed that the characteristics of MPs in the corals were significantly different from those in the seawater environment, indicating that the MPs are selectively enriched in corals. Furthermore, the MPs particles ingested and retained in coral tissue may be related to the polyp size. This study shows that MPs are present in the whole coral reef region and the coral community structure would be potentially harmed by these contaminants.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Distribution characteristics of microplastics in Zhubi Reef from South China Sea
Microplastic abundance and distribution were measured at Zhubi Reef in the South China Sea, finding concentrations of 1,400–8,100 items/m² of surface water—much higher than other ocean areas—with fibers, pellets, polypropylene, and polyamide as dominant types. The study documents elevated microplastic contamination at a South China Sea reef ecosystem under increasing human pressure.
Species-specific microplastic enrichment characteristics of scleractinian corals from reef environment: Insights from an in-situ study at the Xisha Islands
Microplastics were detected in seawater, sediment, and three scleractinian coral species at five atolls in the Xisha Islands, with average seawater concentrations of 9.5 particles per liter and species-specific differences in microplastic enrichment patterns observed.
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.
Microplastic pollution in tropical coral reef ecosystems from the coastal South China Sea and their impacts on corals in situ
Researchers studied microplastic contamination in coral reef ecosystems off southern China, finding plastic particles in seawater, sediment, corals, shellfish, and fish. Different coral species absorbed microplastics at different rates, with smaller particles penetrating deeper into coral tissue. Since coral reefs support fisheries and coastal communities, this contamination could affect both marine ecosystems and the seafood that people eat.
Impacts of microplastics on scleractinian corals nearshore Liuqiu Island southwestern Taiwan
Researchers found microplastics in three genera of wild corals near Liuqiu Island, Taiwan, with abundances up to 0.95 items per gram dominated by blue rayon fibers, and observed that low coral cover (12.5%) at the most tourism-impacted site corresponded with the highest microplastic concentrations in water, sediment, and coral tissue. Enrichment factors of 25-283 times above surrounding seawater indicate corals are significant accumulators of microplastics in reef environments.