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Table 2_Unseen threats: negative effects of microplastic leachate on coral planulae settlement.xlsx
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Researchers exposed coral planula larvae of two Hawaiian species (Montipora capitata and Harbor Porites) to microplastic leachate and measured settlement and survival rates. Leachate significantly reduced larval settlement in both species, likely due to plastic additive chemicals acting as chemical deterrents to metamorphosis.
Coral reef ecosystems, especially those in Hawai`i, are increasingly threatened by marine plastic pollution, which may impair coral reproduction. Microplastics contain toxic, persistent, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. While negative effects of microplastic ingestion have been observed on adult coral viability and health, very few studies have explored impacts on reproduction. Recent studies found that microplastic leachate negatively affects coral fertilization likely due to plastic additives incorporated into products during manufacturing. This study explored the effects of microplastic leachate on coral planula larvae settlement and survival. Planula larvae of the broadcast spawning species, Montipora capitata, and the brooding species, Harbor Porites, were exposed to microplastic leachate from four plastic types [nylon, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or low-density polyethylene (LDPE)] at three concentrations (50, 100, or 200 particles/L) for 7 days. Settlement and survival were affected by leachate concentration and polymer type strongly on Days 5 and 7 indicating delayed and/or potentially cumulative effects. The most pronounced negative effects on survival were observed with HDPE—100 and LDPE—200 treatments. One treatment unexpectedly promoted settlement (HDPE—200) likely due to attractive chemical cues released by the leachates. This is particularly concerning, as it suggests that planula larvae may be drawn to settle on degraded or suboptimal substrates affecting reef recruitment and replenishment. Species-specific responses were also found, with Harbor Porites exhibiting higher survival and variable settlement. Overall, microplastic leachate significantly impacted survival and settlement of both Montipora capitata and Harbor Porites planula larvae with complex temporal, species-specific, polymer-type, and concentration-dependent effects. Microplastic leachate presents an additional stressor to already threatened coral species making addressing both local and global stressors critical for the protection of coral reef ecosystems.
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Unseen threats: negative effects of microplastic leachate on coral planulae settlement
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Researchers tested how chemical leachate from weathered microplastics affects the ability of coral larvae to settle and grow in Hawaiian reef environments. They found that microplastic leachate significantly reduced coral settlement rates, with the effect worsening as plastic concentration increased. The findings suggest that chemicals released by degrading ocean plastics may threaten coral reef recovery by impairing a critical early life stage.
Table 1_Unseen threats: negative effects of microplastic leachate on coral planulae settlement.docx
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This entry (supplementary Table 1) is associated with the coral planula settlement study (ID 9515), presenting data on the effects of microplastic leachate on Hawaiian coral larvae. Raw data tables without standalone abstract content.
Microplastic Leachate Negatively Affects Fertilization in the Coral Montipora capitata
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Researchers tested whether chemical compounds leaching from microplastics affect coral reproduction by exposing coral gametes to microplastic leachate during fertilization. They found that the leachate significantly reduced fertilization success in the coral species Montipora capitata. The study highlights that the chemical pollution from degrading plastics, not just physical ingestion, poses a direct threat to coral reef reproduction and recovery.
Developmental Toxicity of Microplastic Leachates on Marine Larvae
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Chemical leachates from microplastics — the chemicals that wash off plastic surfaces — caused developmental abnormalities in marine sea urchin and bryozoan larvae at environmentally relevant concentrations. The findings suggest that chemical leaching from plastics may be as harmful as the particles themselves for marine organisms in early life stages.
Microplastic Contamination Has Limited Effects on Coral Fertilisation and Larvae
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Laboratory experiments exposing the reef-building coral Acropora tenuis to fifteen types of microplastics found only limited effects on gamete fertilization, embryo development, and larval settlement at realistic environmental concentrations. While corals are known to ingest plastics and suffer tissue damage, the reproductive stage may be more resilient than other life stages.
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