Human activity leaves a biochemical imprint on coral tissues, according to a study published in Nature Communications. Researchers identified 25 contaminants, including those from cosmetics, medicines, and agricultural runoff, in coral tissues at various Maui reef sites.
Levels of these contaminants were higher at sites with greater human influence. The study analyzed coral metabolomes, offering a new method to monitor chronic, human-caused stress on wild corals. Unlike water samples, coral tissue can reveal accumulated contaminants, providing a long-term record of pollution.
Source: Mongabay