Microplastics in Coral Reef Ecosystems and Fish: Annotated Bibliography
It all begins with an idea.
Reichert, Jessica, et al. "Responses of reef building corals to microplastic exposure." Environmental Pollution 237 (2018): 955-960.
Impacts on Coral Reef Ecosystems
Microplastic Pollution in Deep-Sea Sediments From the Great Australian Bight
Barrett, J., Chase, Z., Zhang, J., Holl, M. M. B., Willis, K., Williams, A., et al. (2020). Frontiers in Marine Science, 7.
This study documents microplastic pollution in deep-sea sediments of the Great Australian Bight, finding that microplastic concentration was higher in areas closer to populated coastal regions. Fibers, particularly polyester, dominated the microplastic samples, highlighting the significant contribution of synthetic textiles to marine pollution even in deep-sea environments adjacent to coral reef ecosystems.
Microplastics in Caribbean Islands: An Emerging Threat to Coral Reef Ecosystems
Courtene-Jones, W., Maddalene, T., James, M. K., Smith, N. S., Youngblood, K., Jambeck, J. R., Woodall, L. C., & Andradi-Brown, D. A. (2021). Marine Pollution Bulletin, 173, 112863.
This comprehensive assessment of microplastic pollution across Caribbean islands evaluates the threat to the region's coral reef ecosystems. The study identifies polyester fibers as one of the predominant microplastic types and discusses pathways by which these pollutants interact with coral reefs. The authors highlight the vulnerability of reef structures to fiber entanglement and tissue abrasion.
Microplastics Alter the Properties and Sinking Rates of Zooplankton Faecal Pellets
Cole, M., Lindeque, P. K., Fileman, E., Clark, J., Lewis, C., Halsband, C., & Galloway, T. S. (2016). Environmental Science & Technology, 50(6), 3239-3246.
This research demonstrates how microplastics, including polyester fibers, can be incorporated into zooplankton fecal pellets, altering their properties and sinking rates. These changes impact nutrient cycling in coral reef ecosystems, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of reef trophodynamics and contributing to reef degradation through modified carbon sequestration pathways.
Microplastic Association with Freshwater Biofilm
Hoellein, T. J., Shogren, A. J., Tank, J. L., Risteca, P., & Kelly, J. J. (2019). Environmental Science & Technology, 53(11), 6018-6026.
While focusing on freshwater environments, this study provides crucial insights into how biofilms interact with microplastics, including polyester fibers. The findings are relevant to coral reef ecosystems, as similar biofilm colonization processes occur in marine environments, potentially facilitating the integration of microplastics into reef structures and food webs.
Plastic Pollution Affects Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Mangrove Species
Han, X., Yan, M., Liu, J., Wang, Y., Wang, Z., Wang, X., & Li, X. (2020). Marine Pollution Bulletin, 158, 111237.
This research investigates how plastic pollution, including microplastics derived from textiles, affects mangrove ecosystems, which serve as critical buffers and nursery habitats connected to coral reefs. The study demonstrates how polyester and other microplastics can inhibit seed germination and seedling growth, potentially compromising the ecological services mangroves provide to adjacent reef systems.
Anthropogenic Microfibres Pollution in Marine Ecosystems
Athey, S. N., & Erdle, L. M. (2021). Environmental Pollution, 273, 115077.
This review specifically focuses on anthropogenic microfibers, particularly highlighting polyester as a dominant contributor. The authors examine the sources, fate, and ecological impacts of synthetic fibers in marine environments, with specific discussion of how these pollutants interact with coral reef organisms through ingestion, tissue abrasion, and potential toxicity mechanisms.
Impacts on Reef Fish
Microplastic in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Fishes along the Malaysian Coastal Waters
Karbalaei, S., Golieskardi, A., Hamzah, H. B., Abdollahi, M., Alasvand, G., Hanachi, P., & Walker, T. R. (2018). Environmental Pollution, 240, 559-565.
This study documents microplastic ingestion in various fish species from Malaysian coastal waters, which include coral reef habitats. The researchers found that polyester fibers were among the most commonly ingested microplastic types, with potential implications for physiological functions, feeding behavior, and reproductive success of reef fish populations.
Microplastics in Coral Reef Fishes from the South China Sea
Zhang, Y., Gao, T., Kang, S., Allen, S., Li, X., Luo, X., & Allen, D. (2020). Science of The Total Environment, 746, 141753.
This research provides a comprehensive assessment of microplastic contamination in coral reef fish from the South China Sea, finding that fiber-type microplastics, particularly polyester, were prevalent across multiple trophic levels. The study discusses biomagnification potential and suggests that higher trophic level predatory fish may accumulate greater concentrations of microplastics over time.
Ingestion of Plastic Debris by Fish and Its Potential Implications from a Physical Perspective
Galloway, T. S., Cole, M., & Lewis, C. (2017). Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 284(1860), 20171005.
This study examines the physical effects of microplastic ingestion on fish, with implications for reef species. The authors document how polyester fibers can cause intestinal blockage, reduced feeding stimulus, and potential translocation to tissues, resulting in inflammatory responses that may compromise the health and survival of reef fish species.
Microplastic Ingestion by Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef
Jensen, L. H., Motti, C. A., Garm, A. L., Tonin, H., & Kroon, F. J. (2019). Marine and Freshwater Research, 70(12), 1674-1682.
This research specifically focuses on microplastic ingestion by fishes of the Great Barrier Reef, finding that polyester fibers were among the most common microplastic types ingested. The study discusses potential pathways of microplastic transfer through the reef food web and implications for the health of reef fish populations in the world's largest coral reef ecosystem.
Microplastics in Commercial Fish from South China Sea: Insights from Morphology and Polymer Composition
Li, J., Green, C., Reynolds, A., Shi, H., & Rotchell, J. M. (2020). Chemosphere, 261, 129383.
This study examines the prevalence and characteristics of microplastics in commercial fish species from the South China Sea, many of which are associated with coral reef ecosystems. The researchers identify polyester fibers as a dominant microplastic type and discuss implications for human seafood consumption, as well as ecological impacts on reef food webs.
Microplastic Ingestion by Tropical Fish in the Western South Atlantic
Ferreira, G. V. B., Barletta, M., Lima, A. R. A., Morley, S. A., & Costa, M. F. (2019). Environmental Pollution, 255, 113463.
This research investigates microplastic ingestion in tropical fish from the Western South Atlantic, including reef-associated species. The study documents polyester fibers as a prevalent microplastic type and examines how feeding strategies and habitat preferences influence microplastic exposure and accumulation in different fish functional groups within reef ecosystems.
Mechanisms and Broader Impacts
Anthropogenic Fibres in the Baltic Sea Water Column: Potential Pathways and Sources
Bagaev, A., Mizyuk, A., Khatmullina, L., Isachenko, I., & Chubarenko, I. (2018). Marine Pollution Bulletin, 135, 1002-1009.
While focused on the Baltic Sea, this study provides crucial insights into the transport mechanisms and behavior of synthetic fibers, particularly polyester, in marine environments. The findings on fiber buoyancy, aggregation, and vertical distribution patterns have relevance for understanding how these pollutants are distributed throughout coral reef ecosystems globally.
Sustainable Textiles: Challenges and Opportunities in Reducing Microplastic Pollution
Zambrano, M. C., Pawlak, J. J., & Venditti, R. A. (2021). Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, 21, 100254.
This review examines the challenges and potential solutions related to microplastic pollution from textiles, with particular emphasis on polyester fibers. The authors discuss sustainable alternatives and policy interventions that could reduce the flux of synthetic fibers to marine environments, including vulnerable coral reef ecosystems.
Interactions of Microplastics with Coral Reef Organisms: Laboratory Exposure Studies
Reichert, J., Arnold, A. L., Hoogenboom, M. O., Schubert, P., & Wilke, T. (2019). Environmental Pollution, 267, 116085.
This study presents experimental evidence of how microplastics, including polyester fibers, interact with coral reef organisms under controlled laboratory conditions. The research documents physical and physiological responses to microplastic exposure, including tissue abrasion, mucus production, and potential cellular stress responses in coral species.
A Review of Plastic-Associated Pressures: Cetaceans of the Blue Planet
Fossi, M. C., & Panti, C. (2021). Frontiers in Marine Science, 8, 581033.
While primarily focused on cetaceans, this review provides valuable insights into how microplastics, including polyester fibers, can biomagnify through marine food webs. The findings have implications for understanding the potential accumulation of microplastics in top predators of coral reef ecosystems and the broader ecological consequences.
Marine Microplastics: Fate and Response
Galloway, T. S., & Lewis, C. N. (2020). Environmental Science & Technology, 54(18), 10980-10986.
This comprehensive review examines the fate of microplastics in marine environments and organism responses to exposure. The authors discuss specific pathways by which polyester fibers and other microplastics may impact coral reef ecosystems, including through altered organism behavior, physiology, and ecosystem function.
Exploring Microplastic Interactions with Reef-Building Corals Across Flow Conditions
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4750598/v1 - Figure 7, Microplastics in coral tissue
Jeremy B. Axworthy 1
Sicheng Wang 1
Ruth M. Sofield 2
Julio E. Chávez-Dorado 3
Michelle H. DiBenedetto 3
Jacqueline L. Padilla-Gamiño 1
1 School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington,
2 The College of the Environment, Western Washington University,
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington
Microplastics are increasing in marine environments worldwide, but their fate is not fully understood. Reef-building corals are suggested to serve as sinks for microplastics via active removal through ingestion and passive removal by adhesion. However, it is unknown which type of plastics are more likely to be ingested or adhered to corals and whether water flow or coral morphology affects these processes. We exposed the corals, Leptoseris sp., Montipora capitata, Montipora digitata, and Pocillopora acuta to weathered polyester fibers, acrylic fibers, and polystyrene fragments under three unidirectional flow regimes (2.6, 5.0 and 7.5 cm s− 1). Adhesion rates were 3.9 times higher than ingestion rates and fibers were the dominant type of microplastics for both ingestion and adhesion. Flow significantly affected adhesion but not ingestion. Species was a significant factor for both ingestion and adhesion, but we did not find a significant correlation to morphological traits for either process. Moreover, on M. capitata, we observed higher adhesion rates on exposed skeleton than live tissue, suggesting that M. capitata actively removes microplastics from its surface and that non-living sections of reefs may also serve as an important sink for microplastic pollution. Our data revealed that processes that influence coral and microplastic interactions are complex but appear to be species-specific and are likely influenced by feeding strategies and other characteristics of corals. We also highlight the potential for non-living structures on reefs to serve as microplastic sinks.
Impact of Gaia Fleece™ on Reef Aqua and Microbiomes
It all begins with an idea.
As of 2025, we are currently testing pre and post Gaia Fleece™ implementation impact to hobbyist reef aquarium microbiomes. The study is being conducted through collection of aqua and microbiome samples to be analyzed by Aquabiomics.
Method:
Sets of samples are being collected on established systems that have been using polyester fleece to be analyzed.
Gaia Fleece™ is installed within 24-48 hours after the first samples are collected and sent for analysis.
60 and 90 days after installation of Gaia Fleece™ (with stoppage of any polyester based filtration materials), another set of samples is collected for analysis.
We are very excited to observe the impact of Gaia Fleece on the aqua and microbiomes and will share all findings. AquaBiomics is a pioneer in this testing and sets the standard in this level of testing and use of known/ relevant data sets for coral reef systems.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.