Hydrogen Therapy Shows Promise for Protecting Coral Reefs from Heat Stress
- Authors
- Malte Ostendarp, Mareike de Breuyn, Yusuf C. El-Khaled, Neus Garcias-Bonet, Susana Carvalho, Raquel S. Peixoto, Christian Wild
- Journal
- PLoS One
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0308894
- Study Type
- Coral
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Germany
- Health Condition
- Coral Bleaching
- Body System
- Photosynthetic System
TL;DR
Adding molecular hydrogen to water may help some corals withstand hot temperatures better, although it can be harmful at normal temperatures.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen increased photosynthetic efficiency in heat-stressed Acropora corals by 28%, but impaired photosynthesis in both coral species at normal temperatures, indicating its effects are temperature-dependent.
Summary
Researchers tested whether molecular hydrogen (a gas with antioxidant properties) could help two types of hard corals survive heat stress. They exposed corals to normal ocean temperature (26°C) and elevated temperature (32°C), with and without hydrogen added to the water over 48 hours. Hydrogen helped one coral species (Acropora sp.) maintain better photosynthetic function (the ability to convert light into energy) when exposed to heat, but surprisingly, adding hydrogen at normal temperatures actually harmed both coral species' photosynthesis.
Practical Takeaway
This laboratory study in corals suggests hydrogen may have protective potential during heat stress, but the findings are preliminary—conducted over only 48 hours in controlled conditions with no human application. Much longer-term research is needed to understand whether hydrogen could realistically help coral reefs survive warming oceans, and the temperature-dependent effects raise questions about when and how it should be applied.
Abstract (excerpt)
Coral reefs are increasingly threatened by mass bleaching events due to global ocean warming. Novel management strategies are urgently needed to support coral survival until global efforts can mitigate ocean warming. Given the strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties…