How corals reveal the ocean’s hidden chemical footprint

Summary

Researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) conducted a study revealing that Red Sea corals absorb and accumulate various compounds, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and herbicides, thereby recording a long-term chemical footprint of human activity. The study detected substances like antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and the herbicide atrazine across 15 reefs in three Red Sea regions, noting that some chemicals were found in higher concentrations offshore due to ocean currents. This research demonstrates how corals can provide a more comprehensive, time-integrated picture of environmental exposure than water samples alone. Why it matters: This work offers a valuable tool for environmental monitoring and informing policy in Saudi Arabia as it expands coastal tourism and other sectors, particularly for the unique Red Sea coral reef ecosystems.