Unlocking Passive Collection of Microplastics in Coral Reefs by Adhesion Measurements

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with MPs accumulating from various sources and ultimately settling on the seabed. Notably, corals play a crucial role in capturing MPs, primarily through their surface mucus rather than ingestion. This study explores the mechanisms behind MP capture by live elegance corals, examining their interfacial forces in comparison to Scleractinia coral skeletons and model coral skins. Our findings reveal that live elegance corals exhibit strong adhesion forces that effectively trap MPs, a trait absent in other studied surfaces. Moreover, the consistent pull-off force required to remove MPs from live corals, regardless of plastic type (polystyrene or polyethylene), indicates a universal force barrier for scavengers. By leveraging traditional adhesion measurement techniques, our research underscores the essential function of coral mucus in MP capture and offers valuable insights for conservation strategies aimed at mitigating MP pollution in marine environments.