We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Contamination in mangrove ecosystems: A synthesis of literature reviews across multiple contaminant categories
Summary
This review synthesizes research on five classes of contaminants in mangrove ecosystems, including microplastics, heavy metals, and organic pollutants. Microplastic levels in mangroves varied widely and lack established safety thresholds, while other pollutants were sometimes found at levels harmful to wildlife. Since mangrove ecosystems support fisheries and coastal communities, contamination of these environments could affect human food sources and livelihoods.
Mangrove forests are exposed to diverse ocean-sourced and land-based contaminants, yet mangrove contamination research lags. We synthesize existing data and identify major gaps in research on five classes of mangrove contaminants: trace metals, persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Research is concentrated in Asia, neglected in Africa and the Americas; higher concentrations are correlated with waste water treatment plants, industry, and urbanized landscapes. Trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, frequently at concentrations below regulatory thresholds, may bioconcentrate in fauna, whereas persistent organic pollutants were at levels potentially harmful to biota through short- or long-term exposure. Microplastics were at variable levels, yet lack regulatory and ecotoxicological thresholds. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products received minimal research despite biological activity at small concentrations. Given potential synergistic effects, multi-contaminant research, increased monitoring of multiple contaminant classes, and increased public outreach and involvement are needed.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in mangroves with special reference to Asia: Occurrence, distribution, bioaccumulation and remediation options
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.
Microplastic Contamination in Water, Sediment, and Biota in Mangrove Forests
This review synthesized research on microplastic contamination in mangrove forest water, sediment, and biota, finding that mangroves act as both sinks and potential sources of microplastics due to their complex hydrodynamics, with ecotoxicological data on mangrove-specific organisms remaining limited.
An Examination of the Current Knowledge of Contaminants in Mangroves: Hawaii and Globally
This thesis comprehensively reviews contamination in mangrove ecosystems globally and in Hawaii, covering heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, PAHs, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics as one of four main contaminant classes. The review identifies significant research gaps around how these pollutants affect mangrove biodiversity and pose risks to human populations, particularly as mangrove ranges shift with climate change. Understanding contaminant dynamics in mangroves matters because these ecosystems are used for fishing and coastal food production worldwide.
Microplastic in mangroves: A worldwide review of contamination in biotic and abiotic matrices
This worldwide review analyzed 53 studies on microplastic contamination in mangrove sediments, water, and organisms across Asia, America, and Africa, finding that research is geographically limited and lacks wide-scale coverage of mangrove coastlines. Most studies characterized microplastic type, size, color, and morphology but did not assess ecological risks.
Plastic pollution in mangrove ecosystems: A global meta-analysis
This meta-analysis pooled global data on plastic pollution in mangrove ecosystems and found that these critical coastal habitats act as natural plastic traps. Mangroves accumulate significant amounts of both large plastic debris and microplastics due to their complex root structures. Since mangroves serve as nurseries for fish and seafood species that people eat, plastic contamination in these ecosystems could affect the food chain.