Wastewater runoff from washing machines may be polluting our deep-sea corals — UCC study

Research identified a potential link between land and washing machines' wastewater, through the presence of rayon microfibres in water and coral samples.
Wastewater runoff from washing machines may be polluting our deep-sea corals living in previously believed to be "pristine waters", a new study has found.
Researchers discovered the presence of microplastics in the North Atlantic's deep waters and cold-water corals, showing how the ocean’s most ecologically vital regions are being polluted.
The study, conducted by University College Cork (UCC) and funded by the Marine Research Institute, focused on the Porcupine Bank Canyon and north-eastern Porcupine Seabight.
The research found cold-water corals may not only be exposed to these microplastics which pose harmful effects, but are also ingesting microplastics and cellulosic microparticles.
The team, led by Dr Alicia Mateos-Cárdenas, analysed samples from depths of 605m to 2,126m from these marine conservation sites.
The research also identified a potential link between land and washing machines' wastewater, through the presence of rayon microfibres in water and coral samples.
This highlights a need for improved environmental management strategies to limit the spread of pollution through land-based activities, the researchers said.
The study comes at a time when international efforts to address plastic pollution is at an all-time high, ahead of the UN Global Plastics Treaty.
"Studies like this offer factual and topical results to industries and policymakers, especially in the lead-up to the final round of negotiations for a plastics treaty," said Dr Mateos-Cárdenas.
Understanding the fate of these microplastics is important for developing effective policies and “mitigating the impact of plastic pollution", she added.
Professor Andy Wheeler said these findings highlighted the need for “comprehensive exploration and conservation efforts in deep-sea environments”.
"Protecting ecosystems like cold-water coral reefs is vital as they are biodiversity hotspots and play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem." said Dr Aaron Lim.