Pollution drains energy from Hawaii corals, worsening survival in warming seas

Human chemicals are accumulating inside coral tissues, weakening their ability to cope. Contaminants from various sources build up, reducing vital nutrient and energy reserves. This internal chemical shift makes corals significantly less resilient to environmental stressors. Monitoring these internal chemical fingerprints offers a new way to track hidden impacts. Reducing chemical pollution is crucial for protecting marine and human health.

By TOI Science Desk