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How does ocean pollution impact the health of coral reefs in different countries?

Maliyah Sutherel

Dear friend,

Ocean pollution has a significant impact on the health of coral reefs in different countries. Coral reefs are essential marine ecosystems that provide a home for numerous marine creatures and play a crucial role in regulating global carbon levels. As such, they have to be safeguarded at all costs.

Pollution, however, is causing serious harm to coral reefs. Different types of pollutants such as plastics, fertilizers, and chemicals from wastewater can easily find their way into the ocean and, in turn, damage coral reefs. When these pollutants contaminate the water, corals become stressed, and their health starts to deteriorate.

One of the ways in which pollution harms coral reefs is through the physical harm caused to the corals. For instance, plastic debris that ends up in the ocean can get caught up in reefs, which results in the corals being damaged or suffocated. Additionally, chemicals from wastewater can cause the destruction of coral reefs, which diminishes their structural integrity and makes them more fragile. This can subsequently cause the corals to break under the pressure of harsh ocean conditions.

Pollution can also promote the growth of harmful algae that outcompete coral reefs for vital nutrients. When nutrient levels rise because of fertilizers in runoff, coastal waters become enriched, leading to an increase in algae growth. In turn, the coral reefs end up losing out this race for nutrients and eventually start to perish.

Another harmful impact of ocean pollution on coral reefs is rising water temperatures and ocean acidification, both of which can significantly harm coral reefs. Ocean acidification typically results from increased carbon dioxide emissions, which dissolve into the ocean and form carbonic acid. The carbonic acid then lowers the pH level of seawater, which can negatively impact the ability of coral reefs to build and maintain their calcium carbonate skeletons.

In conclusion, ocean pollution has a detrimental impact on coral reefs in different countries. The physical harm, increase in algae growth, rising ocean temperatures and primarily ocean acidification can diminish the ability of coral reefs to build and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Hence, as users of social media, we should raise awareness about plastic pollution and become more environmentally responsible to protect these critical ecosystems.

Best regards.