Tolerance to long-term exposure of suspended benthic sediments and drill cuttings in the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa

► Skeletal growth is affected by exposure to benthic sediments and drill cuttings. ► Polyp extension is reduced under higher suspended particle concentrations. ► Mucus released for sediment cleaning do not significantly affect energy expenditure. ► Lophelia pertusa polyps can deal comparatively well with enhanced particle exposure. ► Larvae of L. pertusa may be particularly vulnerable to high particle concentrations.