Microplastics in Coral Reefs and Their Impact on Corals: A Mini-Review

Key Highlights

• Microplastic Abundance and Distribution: First review on microplastics in coral reefs.
• Sources and Characteristics: Vary across different coral reef regions.
• Prevalence Causes: Both human activities and natural factors.
• Coral Interactions: Through ingestion and adhesion.
• Physiological Impacts: Affect coral physiology, growth, and health.

Abstract Overview

• Global Presence: Microplastics are widespread, impacting aquatic and terrestrial systems.
• Importance of Coral Reefs: Vital ecosystems for biodiversity and human livelihoods.
• Research Gaps: Limited focus on microplastics in coral reefs and their effects on coral health.
• Review Goals: Summarize microplastic prevalence, sources, interactions with corals, and potential impacts.

Introduction

• Plastic Production: Increased significantly, reaching 359 million tonnes in 2018.
• Waste Management: 79% of plastic waste enters landfills or nature.
• Microplastics Defined: Fragments <5mm; derived from larger plastics.
• Research Origin: Began in 2004, focusing initially on marine ecosystems.
• Significance of Coral Reefs: Critical for marine biodiversity and are under threat from various stressors, including plastics.

Microplastic Impacts on Coral Reefs

• Direct and Indirect Effects: Pathogen introduction, disruption of symbiotic relationships, physical damage.
• Studies Conducted: Show varied impacts based on microplastic size and coral species.
• Potential Risks: Include disease facilitation and coral bleaching.

Research Findings

• Microplastic Interaction Mechanisms: Ingestion, adhesion, and interaction with chemicals.
• Effects on Coral Health: Affect feeding, photosynthesis, energy use, and calcification.
• Environmental Media: Microplastics found in seawater, sediments, and coral samples.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• Growing Attention: Increasing focus on microplastics in reef regions due to their ecological and economic significance.
• Research Needs: Comprehensive understanding of microplastic sources, distribution, and impacts on coral ecosystems is essential.

Acknowledgments

• Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Hunan Science & Technology Innovation Program.

References

• Extensive reference list indicating a wide range of studies supporting the review's findings.