We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Common types of microdebris affect the physiology of reef-building corals
ClearCommon types of microdebris affect the physiology of reef-building corals
Researchers tested how several common types of microdebris, including microplastic fibers, fragments, and other small particles, affect reef-building corals. They found that exposure to mixed debris types caused greater stress responses in the corals than single-polymer exposures typically used in lab studies. The findings suggest that real-world microdebris pollution, which involves multiple materials at once, may be more harmful to coral reef health than previous single-material experiments have indicated.
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.
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.
Interactive effects of microplastic pollution and heat stress on reef-building corals
Researchers tested the combined effects of microplastic pollution and heat stress on five reef-building coral species in controlled laboratory experiments. They found that while heat stress caused significant bleaching, tissue death, and reduced photosynthetic efficiency, microplastics alone had only minor effects at ambient temperatures, suggesting that climate change remains a far greater threat to coral reefs than microplastic pollution.
Impacts of microplastics on reef-building corals: Disentangling the contribution of the chain scission products released by weathering
Researchers investigated how microplastics harm reef-building corals by separating the effects of physical contact from the chemical leachates released as plastics degrade. They found that while physical interaction with the particles caused immediate tissue damage, the chemical breakdown products from aged plastics created additional toxic effects. The study highlights that weathered microplastics pose a compound threat to coral health through both mechanical abrasion and chemical contamination.
Impacts of microplastics on growth and health of hermatypic corals are species-specific
Researchers exposed four genera of reef-building corals to realistic concentrations of microplastics over six months to assess long-term impacts. They found that effects on coral growth and health were species-specific, with some corals showing reduced calcification while others appeared unaffected. The study highlights that microplastic pollution may threaten certain coral species more than others, complicating predictions about reef resilience.
Interactive effects of microplastic pollution and heat stress on reef-building corals
This study tested the combined effects of microplastic exposure and heat stress on reef-building corals, finding that the combination caused more damage than either stressor alone. As climate change raises ocean temperatures, the simultaneous pressure from plastic pollution may accelerate coral reef decline.
Physiological responses of Mediterranean octocorals to prolonged exposure to ecologically relevant microplastic concentrations
Researchers exposed two Mediterranean gorgonian coral species to a mixture of PET, polystyrene, and polypropylene microplastics for three months and assessed their physiological responses. They found that the corals ingested microplastics and showed measurable changes in respiration and feeding performance, though responses varied between species. The study provides evidence that even ecologically relevant concentrations of microplastics can affect the health of habitat-forming octocorals over extended exposure periods.
Increasing microplastic concentrations have nonlinear impacts on the physiology of reef-building corals
Researchers exposed reef-building corals to increasing microplastic concentrations and found nonlinear effects on coral physiology, suggesting that low and high MP levels may have qualitatively different biological impacts. The findings complicate predictions of how coral reefs will respond as ocean MP pollution increases.
Coral reef attributes associated with microplastic exposure
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in ocean water and coral tissue samples from two coral species in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida, providing the first documentation of microplastics in corals from these locations. Most particles identified were cotton or polyester fibers. Surprisingly, higher microplastic levels in coral tissue were positively associated with coral density, rugosity, and percent coral cover, suggesting that microplastics may not have immediate adverse effects on reef health.
Microplastics in corals: An emergent threat
A summary of recent research found that microplastics impair coral health through species-specific mechanisms including reduced growth, altered enzymatic activity, increased mucus production, disrupted coral-algae symbiosis, and bleaching — with effects observed even at concentrations below current environmental maxima.
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.
Contamination of microplastics in tropical coral reef ecosystems of Sri Lanka
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across ten coral reef ecosystems in Sri Lanka, finding microplastics in corals, water, and sediments with fibers and fragments being the dominant types, representing a previously unquantified threat to tropical reef systems.
Chronic effects of exposure to polyethylene microplastics may be mitigated at the expense of growth and photosynthesis in reef-building corals
Researchers exposed four species of reef-building corals to realistic concentrations of polyethylene microplastics for 11 months and measured the effects on their physiology. While the overall impact was low, some species showed reduced growth and changes in photosynthetic efficiency, suggesting the corals may be spending energy to cope with the particles. The study indicates that corals may have some ability to compensate for microplastic exposure, but increasing pollution levels could overwhelm these defenses.
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.
Increasing microplastic concentrations have nonlinear impacts on the physiology of reef-building corals
Researchers exposed two species of reef-building corals to different concentrations of a realistic microplastic mixture for 12 weeks and found that higher concentrations caused reduced growth, tissue death, and disrupted photosynthesis. The effects followed nonlinear patterns, meaning even moderate increases in microplastic levels could trigger disproportionate damage. Coral reef health matters for human communities because reefs support fisheries and protect coastlines.
Assessment of ecotoxicological effects of small microplastics on Mediterranean corals.
Researchers investigated the ecotoxicological effects of micro- and nano-plastics on Mediterranean gorgonian corals using field-representative polymer compositions and concentrations, with particular focus on energy allocation to metabolism, growth, and reproduction, as well as transgenerational impacts. The study addressed a gap in tropical-dominated coral microplastics research by examining temperate Mediterranean species.
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.
First detection of microplastics in reef-building corals from a Maldivian atoll
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.
Macro- and microplastics affect cold-water corals growth, feeding and behaviour
Both macro- and microplastics negatively affected the growth, feeding behavior, and overall condition of cold-water corals in laboratory experiments, with microplastics causing more pronounced effects at lower concentrations. The findings raise concerns about the health of deep-sea coral reefs as plastic debris accumulates at depth.
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.
Microplastics: impacts on corals and other reef organisms
This study reviewed the growing body of evidence on how microplastics and nanoplastics affect corals and other reef organisms. Researchers found that these plastic particles can impair coral feeding, growth, and reproduction, and may worsen the effects of other stressors like ocean warming. The review highlights that plastic pollution represents an additional serious threat to already vulnerable reef ecosystems worldwide.
Survival at a cost: Corals endure microplastic and nanoplastic pollution by sacrificing energy reserves
Researchers exposed two coral species to microplastics and nanoplastics at concentrations comparable to those found in ocean environments and monitored their health over 10 weeks. They found that Stylophora pistillata was highly sensitive, experiencing progressive bleaching, reduced photosynthesis, and significant depletion of energy reserves including lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. While Turbinaria reniformis was more resilient, it still showed reduced photosynthesis and energy loss, indicating that even low concentrations of plastic pollution impose significant physiological costs on corals.
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.