Some common medications in coral samples from the Gulf of Eilat appeared in a new study that could impair marine ecosystems, reinforcing the impact of human activities on vulnerable habitats.
Drugs Discovered in Corals
A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History found evidence of some 10 medications; originating in antibiotics, hypertension drugs and antidepressants, in coral samples taken from both shallow and deep habitats throughout those that comprised the Gulf of Eilat.
The research is the work of Professor Noa Shenkar and her Ph.D. student Gal Navon who examined 96 reef-building stony corals (Scleractinia) for drug residues finding that none were pristine in this respect. This was followed by the discovery of their antibiotic, sulfamethoxazole (a drug used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections), in between 7% up to a shocking 93% of the coral samples.
In the study, the presence of these pharmaceuticals was especially alarming in deep-water corals—typically found to be less affected by contamination from shallower areas. These results indicate the problem of marine medication pollution is also likely to penetrate deeper, threatening the health and function of coral reef ecosystems.
The Disturbing Implications
While the impact of these compounds on marine organisms can be difficult to predict and potentially hazardous, at least a comprehensive discussion based on scientific evidence should fuel further studies and discussions. Studies in the past have indicated that estrogen from birth control pills can give a male fish female characteristics and impede its ability to reproduce while anti-depressants have been found to affect the learning and memory capabilities of squids.
Prof. Shenkar says, “There is no reason to think that corals should be any exception. For instance a few quotes like; “if our pharmaceuticals affect the spawning synchrony in coral populations, it will be c50 years until we know/order to do sth about it and by then it might be too late”
They also form the basis of much marine biodiversity, feeding, sheltering and spawning huge numbers of other species. The addition of human-made pharmaceuticals to these sensitive, vital habitats is a new stressor on an already fragile ecosystem and a further threat in combination with climate change, pollution and overfishing.
Conclusion
The recent revelation that pharmaceutical pollution affected coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat is a testament to just how extensive human actions have encroached on faraway lands and altered them. So while the meds we take save our lives, their presence in marine environments have unintended impacts that may disrupt the fragile relationships coral reef ecosystems depend on. Dealing with this issue will need to a systems approach, such as better sewage treatment, but also responsible medication disposal. Waiting until 2050 won’t cut it: If we act now, we can protect these critical ecosystems and the myriad life-forms they house.
