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Microplastic ingestion by scleractinian corals
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Researchers documented for the first time that scleractinian corals on Australia's Great Barrier Reef actively ingest microplastics from surrounding water, raising serious concerns that plastic pollution could impair the feeding and health of reef-building corals already stressed by warming oceans.
We report for the first time the ingestion of microplastics by scleractinian corals, and the presence of microplastics in coral reef waters adjacent to inshore reefs on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GRE, 18°31′S 146°23′E). Analysis of samples from sub-surface plankton tows conducted in close proximity to inshore reefs on the central GBR revealed microplastics, similar to those used in marine paints and fishing floats, were present in low concentrations at all water sampling locations. Experimental feeding trials revealed that corals mistake microplastics for prey and can consume up to ~50 μg plastic cm−2 h−1, rates similar to their consumption of plankton and Artemia nauplii in experimental feeding assays. Ingested microplastics were found wrapped in mesenterial tissue within the coral gut cavity, suggesting that ingestion of high concentrations of microplastic debris could potentially impair the health of corals.
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Microplastics alter crystal growth in coral skeleton structures
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Researchers found that exposure to polyethylene microplastics physically alters coral skeleton crystal structure, disrupting the biological processes that allow reefs to grow and repair — a troubling finding given that coral reefs support roughly a quarter of all marine species and protect coastlines worldwide.
Micro-Nano Plastics—Impact on Coral Ecosystem
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This review documents how micro- and nanoplastics threaten coral reef ecosystems, which support biodiversity and serve over 500 million people, by disrupting feeding, reproduction, and symbiotic algae. Coral reefs act as a sentinel for ocean health, and their decline under plastic pollution signals broader risks to marine food webs that humans depend on.
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Plastic debris accumulating in oceans poses a compounding threat to coral reef ecosystems already stressed by climate change, ocean acidification, and overfishing. Microplastics can smother corals, introduce pathogens, and leach toxic chemicals, threatening the biodiversity and fisheries these reefs support.
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