Editor's note: Since 1999, a Philippine warship has been illegally grounded on Ren'ai Jiao, causing severe damage to the local coral reef ecosystem. Scientific research has shown two factors have had a devastating impact on coral growth. Firstly, the rusting of the ship's hull has led to significantly higher levels of heavy metals such as mercury, copper, and zinc in the seawater around Ren'ai Jiao compared to historical records before the warship's grounding. Secondly, the long-term discharge of wastewater with high phosphorus content by the Philippines has caused an abnormal increase in active phosphate levels in the area. Currently, only by removing the grounded warship, which is the primary source of pollution, can the damaged coral reef ecosystem in the surrounding area be restored.

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