Reef Pollution - Can Harm Coral Growth And Directly Affect The Ecosystem Dependent On Them

Corals that build reefs live in a complex life cycle, which requires clear water. Marine debris can cause damage and kill any reef. Reef pollution from anthropogenic activities is one of the major causes which has led to the destruction of these coral reefs. Even though the reefs look tough from outside, they can be destroyed by excessive pollution.

A coral reef can be harmed by land-based runoffs which incorporate pollutants, sediments, and nutrients. As these impacts go on, they further damage the reefs thereby destroying them altogether. A coral reef can be put to death, if trees are cut down and land is cleared without proper planning. The debris and soil which is eroded from construction can bury the corals and cloud up the water.

Improper construction also cuts down the sunlight, which is required by corals to live and grow. An increase in the level of pollution and freshwater outflow from rivers can also change the salinity and temperature of the sea. This would have a hostile effect on reefs.

The ecosystem of reefs is also disrupted when people cause pollution or break corals from a reef. Zooanthelae algae, the tiny plants, which live inside corals, produce oxygen and other nutrients. When corals reefs get affected by pollution, it leads to the death of these living creatures as well. Pollution also affects thousands of species of fish and other animals that are hosted by these coral reefs.

Inland soil erosion and pollution also causes debris, dust, and chemicals to be washed into the sea water. These pollutants further poison the water, making it difficult for creatures living on the reef and the reef itself to survive. The coral polyps live on algae which require clear and clean water to access the maximum amount of sunlight to survive. As the water gets polluted, the algae are unable to last without sunlight and thus die. Hence, corals that depend on these algae die as well.

Many chemicals introduced into sea water by human ventures have an adverse effect on the reefs' natural balance. This causes the death of many species and throws the whole ecosystem out of balance. Oil spills have even more destructive effects. They have a serious impact on coral reefs. The oil smothers corals, thereby stopping them from producing reefs.

A long exposure to even low oil levels can kill a coral reef.

Therefore, reef pollution can harm coral reefs completely. Routine exposure to pollution can hinder the coral growth, reproduction, development and behavior, thereby destroying the reef altogether.