RESILIENT

Coral reefs are currently among the most jeopardized ecosystems due to different anthropogenic stressors, including microplastic pollution; but microplastic’s behaviour on these ecosystems are not yet fully understood. “RESILIENT” seeks to investigate, from a multidisciplinary approach, the fate and effect of these micropollutants on key biological parts of a coral reef ecosystem, and society’s perception on this threat.

In 2023, no laboratory studies have ever examined the transfer of microplastics on a three-way trophic transfer involving corals; neither experimentally determined the percentage of microplastics that accumulate in different biotic and abiotic compartments when passing through the food chain in these organisms. Research on the physiological effects of microplastics on corals has primarily involved direct exposure to pollutants, rather than considering the more environmentally realistic scenario of exposure through food consumption. Furthermore, society is not yet aware of the threat posed by microplastics to these ecosystems and the invaluable amount of ecosystem services that they provide, upon which millions of people depend for their well-being.

To address these questions, “RESILIENT” will first, investigate the amount of microplastics that accumulate in the tropical corals Stylophora pistillata and Pocillopora damicornis when fed with Artemia, previously fed with microplastics; and in competition with a corallivorous fish; as well in the different abiotic compartments. Secondly, by means of physiological surveys, including gene expression (secondment phase), we will determine if corals are equally affected when indirectly ingesting microplastics. Last but not least, by means of a survey, we will determine the knowledge and level of awareness among the society regarding the loss of ecosystem services of corals due to this pollutant, which is key for policymaking, and lastly for the protection of these invaluable ecosystems.

Project Partners

• Dr. Paula Masià Lillo, Sorbonne University, LECOB (France)
• Dr. Franck Lartaud, Sorbonne University, LECOB (France)
• Dr. Marc Besson, Sorbonne University, BIOM (France)
• Dr. Eduardo Santos, University of Exeter (UK)