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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 are an escalating pollutant that poses risks to the health of both marine and terrestrial environments. These tiny plastic particles have multiple avenues to infiltrate marine ecosystems, including mangrove forests. Notably, mangrove areas exhibit distinct ecological characteristics, leading to varying levels of microplastic contamination compared to other coastal locations. The unique way in which mangrove plants crisscross in the water creates an efficient filtering system, effectively reducing wave energy and turbulence. This, in turn, creates an environment where plastics are more likely to accumulate. Additionally, this accumulation can trigger the production of secondary microplastics through physical processes. Consequently, microplastic pollution is notably high along mangrove zones, impacting mangrove ecology both directly and indirectly. Research studies have demonstrated that varying degrees of microplastic absorption and subsequent translocation in plants can affect plant morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and genetic traits. An analysis of mangrove health has indicated that the presence of microplastic pollution has led to deteriorating or unsatisfactory conditions in all mangrove vegetation. This review is primarily focused on elucidating the impact of microplastics on mangroves. Keywords: Mangroves Ecosystem, Microplastics, Mangroves, Pollution impact.
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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.
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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.
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This review examines how mangrove forests intercept and accumulate microplastics from terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric sources, identifying knowledge gaps in understanding the mechanisms, ecological impacts, and long-term fate of trapped microplastics in mangrove ecosystems.
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