Corals may store a surprising amount of microplastics in their skeletons

It’s unclear what effect the sequestering might have on reef health

underwater scene of coral on ocean floor with fish swimming around

Corals can store tiny plastic particles in their skeletons. Worldwide, corals may trap up to 3 percent of all microplastics in surrounding, shallow waters every year, scientists estimate.

ifish/istock/getty images plus

A surprising amount of plastic pollution in the ocean may wind up in a previously overlooked spot: the skeletons of living corals.