Radioecologist studies effect of metal contamination on coral reefs
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.029961
IAEA : Coral reefs are important both ecologically and economically to coastal communities around the world. However, recent massive coral bleaching events have presented graphic evidence of the great stress that the reefs are experiencing because of climate change and pollution. One major source of pollution has been runoff from nickel mining in New Caledonia in the South Pacific. At the 13th International Coral Reef Symposium held 19–24 June in Hawaii, Marc Metian of the IAEA Environment Laboratories discussed the use of radiotracers to track how metals are absorbed and expelled by corals and other marine organisms. The goal is to gain a better understanding of how reefs are affected by metal accumulation when combined with rising temperatures and higher ocean acidity.