Researchers from Japan and Thailand have discovered that all three parts of coral anatomy — surface mucus, tissue, and skeleton — contain microplastics. This was made possible through a new detection technique developed by the team. These findings may help explain the ‘missing plastic problem’, where a significant amount of plastic litter in the oceans cannot be accounted for. The team believes coral may be acting as a ‘sink’ for microplastics by absorbing them from the ocean. Their research was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.
The team’s research highlights the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems. It is estimated that 4.8-12.7 million tons of plastics enter the marine environment annually, causing widespread damage. In Southeast Asia alone, nearly 10 million tons of plastic waste are discarded each year, with a significant portion ending up in the ocean where it degrades into microplastics. This presents a major environmental challenge that needs to be addressed.
To further investigate the issue of plastic pollution, the Research Institute for Applied Mechanics at Kyushu University partnered with Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University to establish the Center for Ocean Plastic Studies. Led by Professor Atsuhiko Isobe, the institute conducted fieldwork on the coast of Si Chang Island in the Gulf of Thailand to study the impact of microplastics on local coral reefs. The team collected and analyzed 27 coral samples from four species, finding microplastic particles in all three anatomical layers of the coral.
The study identified 174 microplastic particles in the coral samples, with nylon, polyacetylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being the most prevalent types. These microplastics were distributed across the surface mucus, tissue, and skeleton of the coral. The findings suggest that coral may be serving as a sink for marine microplastics, potentially preserving them for hundreds of years. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of microplastics on coral reefs and the broader ecosystem.
The discovery of microplastics in coral raises concerns about the long-term effects on marine life and ecosystems. Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that support a diverse range of biodiversity, and the presence of microplastics in coral could have far-reaching consequences. More comprehensive studies are needed to assess the extent of microplastic pollution in coral reefs globally and to determine the health effects on coral and other reef organisms.
In conclusion, the research conducted by the team highlights the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in marine environments and its impact on coral reefs. The findings suggest that coral may be playing a role in sequestering microplastics from the ocean, but further research is necessary to fully understand the implications of this phenomenon. Addressing plastic pollution is crucial for protecting marine ecosystems and promoting sustainability for future generations.