Avaliação dos efeitos da oxibenzona e estresse térmico sobre o branqueamento do coral formador de recife Seriatopora Caliendrum

Coral reefs are ecosystems of major ecological importance; however, they are threatened by ocean warming and anthropogenic contaminants. This study evaluated the combined effects of oxybenzone (BP-3) and thermal stress on bleaching in the coral Seriatopora caliendrum. Coral fragments were exposed for 96 h to a BP-3 concentration equivalent to 10% of its 96-h EC₅₀ at 26 and 30 °C, alongside control and solvent control (DMSO) groups. Bleaching was assessed through digital analysis of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) channels. Over 24 h, BP-3 concentrations decreased by 49% at 26 °C and 59% at 30 °C. Exposure to BP-3 at 30 °C caused a significant change in coral coloration, indicating greater bleaching and a possible intensification of this response due to the interaction between chemical and thermal stressors.