Potential microplastic pollution: an invisible threat to the success of coral reef restoration efforts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/pq3hka26Keywords:
pollutants; restoration; coral community; touristic hotspot; anthropogenic stressors.Abstract
Introduction: Plastic particles are pollutants in the ocean that are ingested by aquatic organisms, including corals, causing negative effects on their reproduction, growth, nutrition, and survival. The increased urban development, as well as the tourist use of coral reef sites, has heightened their presence, increasing the vulnerability of coral communities, threatening their survival, particularly in sites where coral restoration programs are being implemented.
Objective: Evaluate the presence of potential microplastic (pMPs) particles in the marine sediment in three sites: Playa del Amor and Zona de Restauracion, located in an insular Natural Protected Area with high and low touristic pressure, respectively, but with a coral restoration program implemented, and Las Virgencitas with low touristic and fishing activities.
Methods: Sediment samples were collected at three sites. The abundance and characteristics of pMPs, such as size, shape, color, and weight, were determined.
Results: Evidence of pMPs is observed at all sites, with sizes ranging from 5 to ≤ 600 μm. The highest abundance was recorded at Playa del Amor (0.58 pMPs/g) and the lowest at Las Virgencitas (0.029 pMPs/g). A total of five types of pMPs were identified (fibers, fragments, films, foams, and fiber bundle), with fibers being the most predominant form at all three sites (> 90 %). Regarding shapes, some were found in low abundance, such as foam and films at Playa del Amor, and fiber assemblages exclusively at the Zona de Restauracion. The most abundant colors were blue and black. Sizes varied among sites, with the widest range found at Playa del Amor.
Conclusions: The presence of pMPs at both highly visited sites and those categorized as having low human impact suggests that tourism is one of the most important vectors for the introduction of pMPs; however, indirect carriers, such as rainwater runoff, river flow, and wind transport, should be considered. The constant influx of pMPs increases the vulnerability of coral reefs and, therefore, the conservation and management strategies. Furthermore, these negative effects can escalate from a local to a regional scale, making it necessary to promote mitigation measures that prevent these potential pollutants from entering the water column.
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