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Patterns of Oil-Sediment rejection in corals

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Abstract

The patterns of oil-sediment rejection of 19 Caribbean hermatypic corals are identical to theri patterns of rejection of clean sediments. The rejection pattern is typical for coral species, and displays maximum and minimum rates dependent on the size and density of the oil-sediment particles. The viscosity of the oil determines the size of the oil-sediment particles. A coral's efficiency of rejection of sediment depends on the size and amount of the sediment particles. Oil drops ≥0.06 mm are removed by the coral's tissues. Physical contact with oil-sediment particles appears to be less harmful to corals than the toxic effects of oils.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Caribbean Marine Biological Institute (Carmabi), Piscaderabaai, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

    R. P. M. Bak & J. H. B. W. Elgershuizen

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  1. R. P. M. Bak
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  2. J. H. B. W. Elgershuizen
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Communicated by O. Kinne, Hamburg

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Bak, R.P.M., Elgershuizen, J.H.B.W. Patterns of Oil-Sediment rejection in corals. Marine Biology 37, 105–113 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00389121

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