Scientists have discovered a new type of plastic pollution called “plasticoral,” where plastic is fused to coral rubble. This phenomenon was observed during a marine litter survey on Okinawa Island, Japan. Researchers found five pieces of plasticoral, which is a subset of plastiglomerates, a term for melted plastic fused with natural materials.
The melted plastic appears to have conformed to the intricate structure of the coral rubble. Researchers suspect beach fires may have caused this fusion, though further research is needed to confirm the cause. Laboratory analysis identified polyethylene and polypropylene in the plastic samples, common plastics found in single-use bottles and containers.
The formation of plasticoral raises concerns about potential chemical leaching into the ocean, degradation of marine habitats, and a novel pathway for microplastics to enter the marine ecosystem.
Source: Mongabay