Jessica Reichert
@jessireichert.bsky.social
Corals | Microplastic pollution | 3D scanning & morphometrics | Postdoctoral researcher at Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biolology | Coral enthusiast & nature lover | Proud mom of 2
So what does this mean?
Coral colonies with bulky, low-complexity morphologies trap more microplastics under natural exposure. These corals may act as passive sinks, with implications for particle retention and downstream reef contamination.
Coral colonies with bulky, low-complexity morphologies trap more microplastics under natural exposure. These corals may act as passive sinks, with implications for particle retention and downstream reef contamination.
June 3, 2025 at 8:02 AM
So what does this mean?
Coral colonies with bulky, low-complexity morphologies trap more microplastics under natural exposure. These corals may act as passive sinks, with implications for particle retention and downstream reef contamination.
Coral colonies with bulky, low-complexity morphologies trap more microplastics under natural exposure. These corals may act as passive sinks, with implications for particle retention and downstream reef contamination.
Corals with lower fractal dimension, higher sphericity, and lower compactness had higher MP densities on surface and tissue. Colony-level complexity better explained MP retention than fragment-level complexity.
June 3, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Corals with lower fractal dimension, higher sphericity, and lower compactness had higher MP densities on surface and tissue. Colony-level complexity better explained MP retention than fragment-level complexity.
MP loads were compartmentalized:
• 61% on surface
• 30% in tissue
• 9% in skeleton
Surface loads were significantly higher than tissue or skeleton.
• 61% on surface
• 30% in tissue
• 9% in skeleton
Surface loads were significantly higher than tissue or skeleton.
June 3, 2025 at 8:02 AM
MP loads were compartmentalized:
• 61% on surface
• 30% in tissue
• 9% in skeleton
Surface loads were significantly higher than tissue or skeleton.
• 61% on surface
• 30% in tissue
• 9% in skeleton
Surface loads were significantly higher than tissue or skeleton.
We found mostly microplastic fragments (67%), with PVC and polyester dominating and between 0.1–1 mm in size.
June 3, 2025 at 8:02 AM
We found mostly microplastic fragments (67%), with PVC and polyester dominating and between 0.1–1 mm in size.
We sampled 6 coral colonies with varying morphologies from Kāne‘ohe Bay, Hawai‘i. We extracted microplastic particles in the lab and analyzed them via FTIR, and documented coral shape via photogrammetry and 3D scanning.
June 3, 2025 at 8:02 AM
We sampled 6 coral colonies with varying morphologies from Kāne‘ohe Bay, Hawai‘i. We extracted microplastic particles in the lab and analyzed them via FTIR, and documented coral shape via photogrammetry and 3D scanning.
New publication 🪸🤿
How does coral morphology affect microplastic accumulation?
In our new study in Environmental Pollution, we quantify microplastic loads in Pocillopora spp. and link them to 3D structural complexity.
📖 doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126480
How does coral morphology affect microplastic accumulation?
In our new study in Environmental Pollution, we quantify microplastic loads in Pocillopora spp. and link them to 3D structural complexity.
📖 doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126480
June 3, 2025 at 8:02 AM
New publication 🪸🤿
How does coral morphology affect microplastic accumulation?
In our new study in Environmental Pollution, we quantify microplastic loads in Pocillopora spp. and link them to 3D structural complexity.
📖 doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126480
How does coral morphology affect microplastic accumulation?
In our new study in Environmental Pollution, we quantify microplastic loads in Pocillopora spp. and link them to 3D structural complexity.
📖 doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126480
Our Research Topic is still accepting submissions. Share your cutting-edge research on this exciting topic!
Manuscript Submission Deadline: 23 March 2025
For more information and submission guidelines, please visit: www.frontiersin.org/research-top... or reach out to me!
Manuscript Submission Deadline: 23 March 2025
For more information and submission guidelines, please visit: www.frontiersin.org/research-top... or reach out to me!
February 10, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Our Research Topic is still accepting submissions. Share your cutting-edge research on this exciting topic!
Manuscript Submission Deadline: 23 March 2025
For more information and submission guidelines, please visit: www.frontiersin.org/research-top... or reach out to me!
Manuscript Submission Deadline: 23 March 2025
For more information and submission guidelines, please visit: www.frontiersin.org/research-top... or reach out to me!
We found that extreme microplastic concentrations have a disproportionately large effect on the physiology of the coral host. While the coral hosts mainly follow basic nonlinear dose-response patterns, their photosymbionts follow complex nonlinear dose-response patterns with thresholds.
January 28, 2025 at 10:40 PM
We found that extreme microplastic concentrations have a disproportionately large effect on the physiology of the coral host. While the coral hosts mainly follow basic nonlinear dose-response patterns, their photosymbionts follow complex nonlinear dose-response patterns with thresholds.
We investigated the #concentration-dependent effects of a #microplastic mixture on the physiology of the #coral host and the photosynthetic efficiency of their #photosymbionts.
January 28, 2025 at 10:40 PM
We investigated the #concentration-dependent effects of a #microplastic mixture on the physiology of the #coral host and the photosynthetic efficiency of their #photosymbionts.
We exposed two coral species to different concentrations of a #microplastic mixture.
January 28, 2025 at 10:40 PM
We exposed two coral species to different concentrations of a #microplastic mixture.
Why Does it Matter? 🌏 The species-specific responses highlight the complexity of microdebris impacts and the urgency to implement effective measures to mitigate major sources of pollution.
January 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Why Does it Matter? 🌏 The species-specific responses highlight the complexity of microdebris impacts and the urgency to implement effective measures to mitigate major sources of pollution.
🧐Key Findings
- Fibers and tire wear had the strongest effects on coral physiology
- 📈 volume growth but 📉calcification
-📈photosynthetic efficiency in symbionts
- Single polymer had comparable, yet species-specific impacts
- Species-specific effects tied to feeding
- Fibers and tire wear had the strongest effects on coral physiology
- 📈 volume growth but 📉calcification
-📈photosynthetic efficiency in symbionts
- Single polymer had comparable, yet species-specific impacts
- Species-specific effects tied to feeding
January 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
🧐Key Findings
- Fibers and tire wear had the strongest effects on coral physiology
- 📈 volume growth but 📉calcification
-📈photosynthetic efficiency in symbionts
- Single polymer had comparable, yet species-specific impacts
- Species-specific effects tied to feeding
- Fibers and tire wear had the strongest effects on coral physiology
- 📈 volume growth but 📉calcification
-📈photosynthetic efficiency in symbionts
- Single polymer had comparable, yet species-specific impacts
- Species-specific effects tied to feeding
🌊Equipped with pumps and filters, we created a dynamic water flow in our tanks where particles remained suspended in the water column throughout the entire 8-week experiment.
January 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
🌊Equipped with pumps and filters, we created a dynamic water flow in our tanks where particles remained suspended in the water column throughout the entire 8-week experiment.
🔍 Objectives: 1. Assess effects on coral physiology. 2. Compare impacts of different microdebris and a single polymer treatment. 3. Identify species-specific responses by contrasting feeding reactions.
January 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
🔍 Objectives: 1. Assess effects on coral physiology. 2. Compare impacts of different microdebris and a single polymer treatment. 3. Identify species-specific responses by contrasting feeding reactions.
🧪Experimental Setup: Two coral species, Pocillopora verrucosa and Stylophora pistillata, were exposed to four microdebris types: [1] Plastic debris [2] Fibers from clothing [3] Tire wear, brake abrasion, varnish flakes and [4] Single polymer microplastics PE
January 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
🧪Experimental Setup: Two coral species, Pocillopora verrucosa and Stylophora pistillata, were exposed to four microdebris types: [1] Plastic debris [2] Fibers from clothing [3] Tire wear, brake abrasion, varnish flakes and [4] Single polymer microplastics PE
I believe this was the fiddliest study we have ever done, maneuvering the forceps holding µm-sized particles to miniature tentacles. Kudos to the many patient students involved, Niklas, Chieh, Mareike and Vanessa, in this amazing team effort!
January 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
I believe this was the fiddliest study we have ever done, maneuvering the forceps holding µm-sized particles to miniature tentacles. Kudos to the many patient students involved, Niklas, Chieh, Mareike and Vanessa, in this amazing team effort!
But how will it be in the future? We can already see that some species, like Pocillopora verrucosa or Blastomussa merleti are more vulnerable due to their feeding behavior and morphology. Let’s not make it any harder for them and stop the increase of plastic in our oceans!
January 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
But how will it be in the future? We can already see that some species, like Pocillopora verrucosa or Blastomussa merleti are more vulnerable due to their feeding behavior and morphology. Let’s not make it any harder for them and stop the increase of plastic in our oceans!
So, what can we take from this? We used the data to construct a species- and concentration-dependent toxicodynamic risk model to evaluate the potential threats of microplastic exposure. We find that most species seem resilient under current environmental microplastic levels.
January 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
So, what can we take from this? We used the data to construct a species- and concentration-dependent toxicodynamic risk model to evaluate the potential threats of microplastic exposure. We find that most species seem resilient under current environmental microplastic levels.
But most importantly – not all coral species are alike and those generally feeding more also reacted more often to microplastics.
January 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
But most importantly – not all coral species are alike and those generally feeding more also reacted more often to microplastics.
We also found that having a biofilm on the microplastic or food nearby increased the likelihood of the coral reacting to the particles, but not how often they ingested or egested it. Something to consider when studying feeding responses!
January 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
We also found that having a biofilm on the microplastic or food nearby increased the likelihood of the coral reacting to the particles, but not how often they ingested or egested it. Something to consider when studying feeding responses!
We found that corals are very good at detecting that sand is no food, but when it comes to microplastics, they were not so sure at first glance. But after some minutes of tasting the indigestible material, most of them decided to better not ingest it – clever corals!
January 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
We found that corals are very good at detecting that sand is no food, but when it comes to microplastics, they were not so sure at first glance. But after some minutes of tasting the indigestible material, most of them decided to better not ingest it – clever corals!
We looked at 11 coral species with different morphologies and polyp sizes. We offered sand, microplastic, and food particles with forceps to the coral tentacles and studied the feeding responses of the corals.
January 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
We looked at 11 coral species with different morphologies and polyp sizes. We offered sand, microplastic, and food particles with forceps to the coral tentacles and studied the feeding responses of the corals.
Check out this great summary of our work on 3D scanning with #Artec3DScanners at #JLUGiessen! We scanned hundreds of living corals with #ArtecSpider. (2023)
ow.ly/V7Lv50OSEPs
ow.ly/V7Lv50OSEPs
January 28, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Check out this great summary of our work on 3D scanning with #Artec3DScanners at #JLUGiessen! We scanned hundreds of living corals with #ArtecSpider. (2023)
ow.ly/V7Lv50OSEPs
ow.ly/V7Lv50OSEPs
The results showed that corals’ feeding rates did not change after long-term exposure. Similarly, feeding discrimination did not differ. Also, corals showed no changes in defense behavior (i.e., mucus production or extrusion of mesenterial filaments) against microplastics.
January 28, 2025 at 9:07 PM
The results showed that corals’ feeding rates did not change after long-term exposure. Similarly, feeding discrimination did not differ. Also, corals showed no changes in defense behavior (i.e., mucus production or extrusion of mesenterial filaments) against microplastics.
4 reef-building coral species were exposed to PE over 15 months. At the end we studied the corals’ defense and feeding behavior on microplastics and in comparison to a natural food source of similar size (Artemia cysts) in 24h incubations.
January 28, 2025 at 9:07 PM
4 reef-building coral species were exposed to PE over 15 months. At the end we studied the corals’ defense and feeding behavior on microplastics and in comparison to a natural food source of similar size (Artemia cysts) in 24h incubations.