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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic attachment in the scleractinian coral Pocillopora sp. is affected by colony complexity
ClearMicroplastic attachment in the scleractinian coral Pocillopora sp. is affected by colony complexity
This study found that the structural complexity of coral colonies affects how readily microplastics stick to them, with more architecturally intricate Pocillopora corals trapping more particles. This is significant because microplastic accumulation on corals can physically and chemically stress reef ecosystems, and colony shape may determine which reefs are most at risk.
Colony complexity affects microplastic loads in Pocillopora corals
Researchers sampled Pocillopora corals from a reef in Hawaii to investigate how colony structural complexity affects microplastic accumulation. They found that compact, thick-branched coral morphologies trapped more microplastics than open-branched forms, likely because their structure creates stagnant water zones where particles settle. Most microplastics were found on the coral surface rather than embedded in tissue or skeleton.
The effect of coral colony morphology, coral surface condition, particle size, and seeding point on the trapping and deposition of microplastics
Scientists used a saltwater flume to study how different coral colony shapes trap microplastics, finding that compact branching corals caught significantly more particles than open-shaped colonies. Larger microplastics were trapped more easily than smaller ones, and the coral's living or dead status did not affect trapping rates. This research shows that coral reefs act as sinks for microplastic pollution, and certain reef types may be especially vulnerable, which matters for the coastal communities that depend on healthy reefs for food and livelihoods.
Exploring Microplastic Interactions with Reef-Building Corals Across Flow Conditions
Researchers examined how reef-building corals interact with microplastics under varying flow conditions, investigating whether active ingestion or passive adhesion dominates microplastic removal and which particle types and sizes are most readily captured by coral structures.
Responses of reef building corals to microplastic exposure
Researchers exposed six species of small-polyp stony corals to polyethylene microplastics to characterize their responses and potential health effects. They found that corals interacted with the particles through ingestion and adhesion, with responses varying by species and coral morphology. The study suggests that microplastic exposure could affect reef-building corals, which are already under stress from climate change and ocean acidification.
Adhesion to coral surface as a potential sink for marine microplastics
This study found that coral surfaces can adsorb microplastic particles and act as a potential sink for marine plastics, with adhesion influenced by plastic polymer type and the biofilm coating on coral surfaces. Coral reefs may therefore not only be harmed by microplastic ingestion but also accumulate plastics from the surrounding water column.
Microplastic trapping efficiency and hydrodynamics in model coral reefs: A physical experimental investigation
Researchers experimentally investigated how branching coral structures trap microplastics under different water flow speeds and canopy densities using 3D-printed model coral reefs. They found that coral canopies retained 79-98% of microplastics at higher flow velocities, compared to only 10-13% for bare surfaces, through mechanisms including particle interception and settlement on branches. The study suggests that coral reefs may act as significant accumulators of microplastic pollution, with implications for reef ecosystem health.
Unlocking Passive Collection of Microplastics in Coral Reefs by Adhesion Measurements
Researchers measured the adhesion forces of live elegance corals and found they trap microplastics primarily through strong surface mucus adhesion rather than ingestion, with a universal removal force barrier that works regardless of plastic type.
Scleractinian corals incorporate microplastic particles: identification from a laboratory study
Laboratory experiments demonstrated that scleractinian corals actively incorporate microplastic particles during feeding, with ingestion rates varying by particle size and polymer type, raising concerns about chronic microplastic exposure in coral reef ecosystems.
Reef‐building corals act as long‐term sink for microplastic
Coral reef structures were shown to act as long-term sinks for microplastics, with microplastics accumulating in reef framework interstices and sediments at higher concentrations than surrounding seawater, potentially contributing to the resolution of the missing plastic problem in ocean budgets.
Microplastic ingestion by coral as a function of the interaction between calyx and microplastic size
Researchers found that coral ingestion of microplastics is strongly influenced by the size relationship between coral calyx opening and microplastic particle size, with particles matching or slightly smaller than the calyx diameter being ingested at the highest rates, providing a mechanistic basis for assessing coral microplastic exposure.
Ecological responses of coral reef to polyethylene microplastics in community structure and extracellular polymeric substances
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics affect coral reef communities, finding that microplastic exposure altered extracellular polymeric substance production and community structure in scleractinian coral, indicating ecological stress responses.
Macrophyte complexity influences habitat choices of juvenile fish
Not relevant to microplastics — this study examines how macrophyte structural complexity influences habitat selection by juvenile Mediterranean fish in littoral zones.
Patterns, dynamics and consequences of microplastic ingestion by the temperate coral, Astrangia poculata
This study documented microplastic ingestion by the temperate coral Astrangia poculata in Rhode Island, finding that corals readily ingested plastic particles and retained them in their gastrovascular cavity for extended periods. The findings suggest that even non-tropical corals outside heavily polluted regions are regularly exposed to microplastics through their normal filter-feeding behavior.
Acute microplastic exposure raises stress response and suppresses detoxification and immune capacities in the scleractinian coral Pocillopora damicornis
Researchers exposed the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis to microplastics and found elevated stress responses along with suppressed immune and cellular defense capacities. The study suggests that microplastic pollution could compromise coral health by overwhelming stress pathways while simultaneously weakening the organisms' ability to cope with other environmental threats.
Transport and trapping of microplastics in coral reefs: a physical experimental investigation
Researchers conducted physical experiments in a laboratory channel to study how microplastics are transported and trapped in simulated coral reef structures. Rough reef surfaces increased particle capture compared to flat beds. These findings help explain why coral reefs accumulate microplastics and inform predictions of plastic pollution impacts on biodiverse reef ecosystems.
Transport and trapping in complex aquatic canopies: how do coral reefs act as sinks for microplastics?
Researchers investigated how coral reef canopy structures act as sinks for microplastic particles by modifying turbulence, flow, and depositional processes in coastal zones, examining physical trapping mechanisms alongside biological incorporation within coral tissue and skeletons. The study addressed the 'missing plastic' problem by exploring whether the complex three-dimensional structure of shallow reefs intercepts microplastics transported from terrestrial sources before they reach open ocean.
Macro- and microplastics as complex threats to coral reef ecosystems
This review summarizes the growing threat that plastic pollution, from large debris down to nanoplastics, poses to coral reef ecosystems worldwide. Researchers found that microplastics can impair coral feeding, skeletal formation, and nutrition, weakening reef health. The study calls for including plastic monitoring in reef conservation programs and promoting a circular economy to reduce plastic waste entering oceans.
Impact of micro-and nanoplastic contamination on reef-building corals
Researchers exposed two tropical coral species to micro- and nanoplastics of varying polymer types and assessed bleaching, symbiont loss, and tissue damage. Both species showed stress responses including reduced photosynthetic efficiency and partial bleaching, with effects varying by plastic type and size, suggesting reef-building corals are vulnerable to plastic pollution.
Microplastics impair growth in two atlantic scleractinian coral species, Pseudodiploria clivosa and Acropora cervicornis
Researchers tested the effects of microplastic exposure on two Atlantic coral species and found that both ingested microplastic particles, with retention times varying by particle size. During a 12-week chronic exposure, both coral species showed significantly impaired growth compared to controls. The study provides evidence that microplastics represent an additional stressor for already-threatened reef-building corals.
The correlation between microplastics characteristics and sediment grain size to microplastics accumulation in coral reef sediment in Gede Island, Rembang, Indonesia
Researchers studied microplastic accumulation in coral reef sediments in Indonesia, finding that smaller, denser microplastic fragments — especially near coastlines with human activity — sink and penetrate sediments more readily, with particle size and shape being the strongest predictors of where microplastics end up.
Physical and cellular impact of environmentally relevant microplastic exposure on thermally challenged Pocillopora damicornis (Cnidaria, Scleractinia)
Corals exposed to microplastics at levels currently found in the ocean showed more cellular damage when also stressed by warm water temperatures. The microplastics triggered inflammation-like responses and slowed down tissue repair in the corals. This matters because coral reefs are already under severe pressure from climate change, and microplastic pollution appears to make their situation worse.
The comparative effects of chronic microplastic and sediment deposition on the scleractinian coral Merulina ampliata
Researchers exposed tropical coral fragments to PET microplastics and natural sediment particles over 28 days and found no meaningful difference in coral growth, symbiotic algae density, or chlorophyll levels between the two. While microplastic particles were physically incorporated into coral skeletons, the coral species studied appeared resilient at the tested concentrations, suggesting microplastics may not pose a greater threat to this species than ordinary sedimentation stress.
Feeding responses of reef-building corals provide species- and concentration-dependent risk assessment of microplastic
This study quantitatively assessed how reef-building coral species feed on microplastic particles, comparing feeding responses across species and concentrations relative to natural food particles. Results showed species-specific and concentration-dependent ingestion, providing a more nuanced risk assessment framework for microplastic impacts on corals.