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Do microplastics affect the zoanthid Zoanthus sociatus?
R J M Rocha1, A C M Rodrigues1, D Campos1
1Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
The Science of the Total Environment
|January 20, 2020
Summary
Microplastics harm coral reefs. This study found polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics increased physiological stress in Zoanthus sociatus corals, even without causing immediate death.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Ecotoxicology
- Coral Reef Science
Background:
- Microplastics are pervasive marine pollutants impacting coral health.
- Previous research focused on scleractinian corals, leaving knowledge gaps for other groups like Zoantharia.
- Biochemical responses of corals to microplastic exposure are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics on the coral Zoanthus sociatus.
- To assess impacts at organismal (survival, behavior), endosymbiont (photosynthetic efficiency), and cellular (oxidative stress, metabolism) levels.
- To evaluate short-term (96-hour) responses to microplastic exposure.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Zoanthus sociatus to varying concentrations (1 and 10 mg L⁻¹) of LDPE and PVC microplastics.
- Monitoring of coral survival and behavior.
- Measurement of endosymbiont photosynthetic efficiency.
- Analysis of cellular oxidative stress, detoxification capacity, and energy metabolism.
Main Results:
- Zoanthus sociatus showed higher sensitivity to PVC microplastics, particularly at 10 mg L⁻¹.
- PVC microplastics led to a ten-fold increase in epidermal adhesion.
- Increased photosynthetic efficiency, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defenses were observed without significant energetic costs.
Conclusions:
- Short-term exposure to PVC microplastics induces physiological and biochemical stress in Zoanthus sociatus.
- While survival was not compromised in the short term, potential long-term cumulative effects remain a concern for coral reefs.
- This study highlights the vulnerability of Zoantharia species to microplastic pollution.
