Helena Joyce
Coral reefs are incredibly important ecosystems, housing almost a quarter of all known marine species. However, they are in decline across the world, and pollution is a key factor in this. One of the most significant ways pollution affects coral is through pathogens, which are a type of biological pollutant. Pathogens from inadequately treated sewage, stormwater, and runoff from livestock pens can cause disease in corals, especially if they are stressed by other environmental conditions. Coral disease occurs in healthy ecosystems, but the input of pathogen-containing pollution can exacerbate the frequency and intensity of disease outbreaks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pathogens | Bacteria and parasites from sewage, stormwater, and runoff from livestock pens |
| Toxic substances | Metals, organic chemicals, and pesticides found in industrial discharges, sunscreens, urban and agricultural runoff, mining activities, and landfill runoff |
| Plastic pollution | Plastic abrades coral, creating openings for pathogens and blocking sunlight, increasing the likelihood of disease |
| Sedimentation | Human activities such as coastal development, deforestation, and agriculture have increased sedimentation rates, threatening coral reefs by smothering corals and blocking sunlight |
| Excess nutrients | Excess nutrients can support the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which can cause disease in corals |
What You'll Learn
Bacteria and parasites from sewage and runoff
Excess nutrients can support the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which can cause disease in corals. This combination of factors can lead to an increased susceptibility to disease and a decline in coral reef health.
Pathogens are a type of biological pollutant. They can enter the water through inadequately treated sewage, stormwater, and runoff from livestock pens. These pathogens can then infect corals, causing disease and even mortality.
Preventing Air Pollution's Negative Impacts: Strategies for Improvement
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Toxic substances
Coral reefs are incredibly important, housing almost a quarter of all known marine species. However, they are in decline across the world, and pollution is a key factor in this.
Bacteria and parasites from sewage and runoff can cause coral disease, especially in stressed ecosystems. Sewage and wastewater from coastal development can introduce harmful bacteria into the water, which can then infect corals. Excess nutrients can support the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which can cause disease in corals. This combination of factors can lead to an increased susceptibility to disease and a decline in coral reef health.
Plastic pollution is also a threat to coral reefs. Plastic abrades coral, creating openings for pathogens and blocking sunlight, increasing the likelihood of disease. Sedimentation is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to the erosion of land and reefs. However, human activities such as coastal development, deforestation, and agriculture have increased sedimentation rates, threatening coral reefs. Sedimentation can directly impact coral reefs by smothering corals, which blocks sunlight and impedes essential functions like growth and reproduction.
Small Actions, Big Impact: Saving Earth from Pollution
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Plastic pollution
Coral reefs are incredibly important, housing almost a quarter of all known marine species. However, they are in decline across the world, and pollution is a key factor in this. Coral reefs are affected by pathogens, bacteria, parasites, toxic substances, and excess nutrients.
A survey of 150 reefs found plastic was a common pollutant. The survey, which was conducted by Joleah Lamb, a graduate student at the time and now a fellow at Cornell University, found an increased risk of four diseases in coral in contact with plastic. The risk of disease striking corals increased from 4% to 89%.
Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean every year, causing widespread damage to coral reefs. Plastic pollution is an emerging threat to coral reefs, spreading throughout reef food webs and increasing disease transmission and structural damage to reef organisms.
Grass Pollution: Stopping Lawn Moaning in its Tracks
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Excess nutrients
Nutrient pollution can have a devastating impact on coral reefs, leading to coral disease, bleaching, and even mortality. Proper waste management, reduced fertiliser use, and the protection of coastal areas are essential to preserving the delicate balance of coral reef ecosystems and ensuring their long-term survival.
Coral reefs are incredibly important ecosystems, housing almost a quarter of all known marine species. However, they are in decline worldwide, and pollution is a key factor. One of the most significant ways pollution affects coral is through pathogens, which are a type of biological pollutant.
Air Pollution: Preventable Measures for a Sustainable Future
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Pathogens
Coral reefs are incredibly important, housing almost a quarter of all known marine species. However, they are in decline across the world, and pollution is a key factor in this. One of the most significant ways pollution affects coral is through pathogens, which are a type of biological pollutant.
Sewage and wastewater from coastal development can introduce harmful bacteria into the water, which can then infect corals. Excess nutrients can support the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which can cause disease in corals. This combination of factors can lead to an increased susceptibility to disease and a decline in coral reef health.
Plastic pollution can also create openings for pathogens to enter coral. Plastic abrades coral, creating openings for pathogens and blocking sunlight, increasing the likelihood of disease.
Stopping Water Pollution: Strategies for a Cleaner Future
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Frequently asked questions
Coral can get diseases from bacteria and parasites found in sewage and runoff.
Pathogens, including bacteria and parasites, are a type of biological pollutant that can cause coral disease.
Excess nutrients can support the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which can cause disease in corals.
Toxic substances, including metals, organic chemicals, and pesticides, can affect coral reproduction, growth, and defensive responses. Herbicides, in particular, can affect the symbiotic algae that partner with coral, resulting in bleaching.
Plastic pollution can create openings for pathogens to enter coral and block sunlight, increasing the likelihood of disease.
