In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have found that coral reefs may play an unexpected role in absorbing microplastics from ocean waters, potentially addressing the “missing plastic” dilemma. These findings highlight the dual nature of coral reefs as both crucial for marine biodiversity and potentially aiding in the mitigation of plastic pollution. However, this absorption poses risks to coral health, with microplastics contributing to tissue damage, infections, and impaired growth. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to protect these ecosystems and reduce plastic waste at its source.