Microplastics in corals: An emergent threat. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soares, Marcelo de Oliveira; Matos, Eliana; Lucas, Caroline; Rizzo, Lucia; Allcock, Louise; Rossi, Sergio
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 161:Part A(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Scleractinian -- Coral reef -- Symbiosis -- Plastic debris -- Cold-water -- Coral bleaching; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111810
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: This article seeks to present a summary of knowledge and thus improve awareness of microplastic impacts on corals. Recent research suggests that microplastics have a variety of species-specific impacts. Among them, a reduced growth, a substantial decrease of detoxifying and immunity enzymes, an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, high production of mucus, reduction of fitness, and negative effects on coral-Symbiodiniaceae relationships have been highlighted in recent papers. In addition to this, tissue necrosis, lower fertilization success, alteration of metabolite profiles, energetic costs, decreased skeletal growth and calcification, and coral bleaching have been observed under significant concentrations of microplastics. Furthermore, impairment of feeding performance and food intake, changes in photosynthetic performance and increased exposure to contaminants, pathogens and other harmful compounds have also been found. In conclusion, microplastics may cause a plethora of impacts on corals in shallow, mesophotic, and deep-sea zones at different latitudes; underlining an emerging threat globally. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: The effects of microplastics on corals have been reviewed. Microplastics have become the most recent and understudied threat to coral reefs. The species-specific impacts of microplastics on corals Investigations are needed into the impact of microplastics in corals at all depths.