Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Microplastic contamination constitutes a significant and intensifying peril to marine ecosystems, with coral reefs and their associated biodiversity experiencing particularly grave repercussions. This review presents an extensive examination of the origins, spatial distribution, and ecological ramifications of microplastics within coral reef ecosystems, underlining the mechanisms by which corals ingest these pollutants, alongside their impacts on coral health, reproductive capabilities, and susceptibility to bleaching and disease. Furthermore, the review investigates the broader ramifications for marine biodiversity, emphasizing the ingestion and bioaccumulation of microplastics across a variety of species, disruptions within marine food webs, and the dangers posed to endangered species. The cascading ecological repercussions, including the decline in biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services such as fisheries and coastal protection, highlight the critical need to address the issue of microplastic pollution. Proposed solutions are examined, covering biotechnological advancements, policy initiatives, and strategies for public engagement aimed at mitigating pollution and enhancing marine health. Through the integration of these interdisciplinary methodologies, this article aspires to contribute to the ongoing endeavors to sustain the resilience and functionality of coral reef ecosystems amidst increasing environmental challenges.
Author: Akash Phillip
Institution: IIMT University
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224255728