We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
First record of glitter particles in coral reefs from a remote archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found glitter particles inside corals living on remote islands over 700 miles off the coast of Brazil, showing that plastic pollution reaches even the most isolated ocean areas. The corals had eaten hundreds of tiny glitter pieces made of plastic, which is concerning because these same plastics can enter our food chain when we eat seafood. This discovery shows that single-use glitter and other microplastics are spreading throughout ocean ecosystems worldwide, potentially affecting the fish and shellfish we consume.
Microplastic pollution represents a relevant environmental issue for the conservation of marine environments. Glitter particles are often a single-use material and are considered an important group of microplastics. These particles are bioavailable and may pose a significant contamination risk to aquatic ecosystems. The present study reports the first record of hexagonal glitter particles ingested by corals from two Brazilian oceanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1140 km east of the Brazilian coast: Trindade and Martim Vaz. Fragments of Mussismilia hispida and Montastraea cavernosa corals were analyzed for the presence of ingested glitter particles. Hexagonal glitter particles were observed in both species, with abundance reaching up to 304.76 ± 81.27 particles.g−1 of soft tissue for M. cavernosa and 629.63 ± 101.23 particles.g−1 of soft tissue for M. hispida. The average size of hexagonal glitter particles was 28.10 ± 7.17 µm. The polymeric composition was identified as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Our data highlight the susceptibility of coral species to act as sinks for microplastics, even in remote areas.
More Papers Like This
Unveiling the hidden threat of microplastics to coral reefs in remote South Atlantic islands
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Understanding the sources of marine litter in remote islands: The Galapagos islands as a case study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked plastic bottle litter on 60 remote beaches across the Galapagos Islands from 2018 to 2022 to determine where marine debris originates. The study found that 76% of beaches were badly polluted, with bottles traced to sources in Asia, South America, and Central America, demonstrating how ocean currents carry plastic waste thousands of miles to even the most isolated island ecosystems.
Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics on insular beaches in the Western Tropical Atlantic Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled microplastics on beaches of three remote Brazilian oceanic islands in the western tropical Atlantic and found particles on two of the three islands, with fragments being the most common type. The presence of microplastics even on these isolated islands confirms that ocean currents carry plastic contamination far from coastal population centers.
Plastics are a new threat to Palau’s coral reefs
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
First detection of microplastics in reef-building corals from a Maldivian atoll
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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.