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Accumulation of microplastics in mangrove ecosystem: source, properties, and impacts for conservation
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This review of studies from Asia, the Americas, and beyond found that mangrove forests—vital coastal ecosystems that trap carbon and protect shorelines—are accumulating tiny plastic particles from clothing fibers, fishing gear, and packaging waste. These microplastics are showing up in fish, crabs, and shellfish that people eat, raising concerns about how much plastic ends up on our dinner plates, while also potentially weakening the mangroves' ability to fight climate change. The findings suggest we need better tracking and stronger protections for these ecosystems, since plastic pollution may be harming both environmental health
Abstract Mangroves, also called blue carbon ecosystems, are crucial as carbon sinks and in climate change mitigation. However, these ecosystems become vulnerable due to plastic pollution, particularly microplastics. A synthesis of studies across Asia, South America, and North America demonstrates that the microplastic contamination in surface waters and sediments is widespread. Fibres and fragments originating from polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are prevalent globally, indicating inputs from textile, fishing, and packaging. Seasonal and spatial changes demonstrate greater loads during pre-monsoon periods and in downstream estuaries. The depth-profile analyses indicate that microplastics are buried in mangrove sediment on a long-term basis, supporting their role as long-term sinks. Microplastics have also been found in mangrove species, including fish, crabs, and bivalves, raising concerns about trophic transfer and food security. The accumulation of microplastics is emerging as a factor connected to changes in microbial communities and reduced carbon sequestration potential. Established protocols and policy integration based on mangroves are required to enhance the conservation policies and ensure the ecosystem services.
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Microplastics in Different Coastal Environmental Matrices and Potential Ecological Risks
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (mostly fibers from things like clothing and fishing gear) scattered across coastal areas, with mangrove forests trapping the most—likely because their roots act like a net. Since these coastal zones connect to the seafood we eat and the water systems we rely on, understanding where microplastics build up helps researchers pinpoint pollution sources and predict where contamination risks are highest for both marine life and the food chain that eventually reaches our plates.
Study of microplastics pollution in sediments and organisms in mangrove forests: A review
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This review examined 53 studies on microplastic pollution in mangrove forests, finding that these coastal ecosystems act as traps that retain microplastics in their sediments and root systems for extended periods. Researchers found that fiber-shaped and brightly colored microplastics were most commonly detected in organisms like mollusks, crustaceans, and fish living in these habitats. The highest concentrations of microplastics in mangrove environments were reported in China.
Impacts of Microplastics on Mangroves - A Review
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Mangrove forests act as natural traps for microplastics due to their dense root systems that slow water flow, leading to higher microplastic accumulation in mangroves than other coastal zones. This matters because the build-up harms mangrove plants at the cellular and physiological level, threatening these ecologically critical habitats that protect coastlines and support fisheries.
Microplastics Intercepted in Mangrove Forests: Sources, Generation, and Mitigation Strategies
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This review paper looks at how plastic waste builds up and breaks down into microplastics in mangrove forests—coastal ecosystems that trap trash from the ocean, land, and even air. This matters because mangroves are nurseries for fish and seafood we eat, so microplastics trapped there can work their way up the food chain and onto our plates. The researchers highlight using bacteria and other microbes as a promising, natural way to help break down this plastic pollution before it spreads further.
Microplastics in mangroves with special reference to Asia: Occurrence, distribution, bioaccumulation and remediation options
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This review examines microplastic contamination in Asian mangrove ecosystems, finding higher pollution levels near fishing, tourism, and industrial areas. Organisms throughout the mangrove food web, from shellfish to fish, accumulate microplastics based on their feeding habits and habitat. While mangrove plants can trap some microplastics in their roots, the widespread contamination of these coastal ecosystems raises concerns about the safety of seafood harvested from mangrove areas for human consumption.
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