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Urban mangrove ecosystems are under severe threat from microplastic pollution: a case study from Mangalavanam, Kerala, India
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Researchers investigated how exposure to polystyrene microplastics affects the reproductive success of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber, finding reduced offspring viability and altered feeding behavior at concentrations of 1% microplastics by dry weight in food. The results suggest meaningful ecotoxicological risks in soil ecosystems.
The prevalence of microplastics in urban mangrove ecosystems has received little scientific attention despite their immense ecological significance. An investigation was conducted to assess the microplastic abundance and characteristics in three different environmental compartments viz; soil (933 ± 564 particles/kg), sediment (1275 ± 532 particles/kg d.w.), and water (101.6 ± 24 particles/liter) of the Mangalavanam bird sanctuary, a protected mangrove forest in the Cochin city of India. Microplastic fibres were predominant in water, while soil and sediment contained a higher proportion of microplastic fragments. Importantly, surrounding urban features and tidal fluctuation were considered to be influencing microplastic metrics in the area. The colour composition of microplastics was found to be similar in all three environmental compartments and most of the identified polymers were those which are scarcely recycled. Altogether, this study highlights the importance of adopting location-specific measures to protect the area from microplastic pollution and provides the baseline data required for further assessing the impacts of microplastic pollution on mangroves, avifauna, and other components of biodiversity in the region.
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The Effects of Polyethylene Microplastic Accumulation on Rhizophora mucronata Seedling Survival in the Mangrove Ecosystem of South Jakarta
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles in soil drastically reduced the survival of mangrove tree seedlings, with only 20% surviving in heavily polluted conditions compared to 80% in clean soil. This matters because mangrove forests act as natural barriers that protect coastal communities from storms and flooding, while also filtering pollution from water before it reaches the ocean. As microplastics continue to accumulate in our environment, they could damage these crucial ecosystems that help keep our coastlines and water supplies healthy.
The Mud Crab Buffet: Microplastics pollution in Scylla Serrata from Kota Mangroves
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Researchers recovered 264 microplastic particles from the guts of mud crabs (Scylla serrata) collected from mangroves in Karnataka, India, averaging about 29 particles per crab, with polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, and polyester being the dominant plastics. A hazard index assessment rated the microplastic contamination as a severe risk to the crabs, underscoring the threat to mangrove ecosystems and the seafood that humans consume from them.
Influence of microplastics on feeding and energy reserves of terrestrial isopods Porcellio scaber
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Researchers exposed land-dwelling pill bugs to food contaminated with microplastics at concentrations found in compost heaps, and measured effects on feeding behavior and energy reserves in the digestive gland. The study investigated whether environmentally realistic microplastic levels in soil affect terrestrial invertebrates, which are important links in soil food webs.
Spatial heterogeneity of microplastic pollution and associated emerging contaminants in tropical estuarine environments: Novel insights into distribution, bioavailability, and ecological risk
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles in water, mud, and seafood like shellfish and crabs in two river areas in India. These microplastics carry harmful chemicals and are getting into the food chain, which could affect the safety of seafood that people eat. While the current risk appears low, this research shows we need better policies to reduce plastic pollution to protect both ocean ecosystems and human food sources.
The Effects of Polyethylene Microplastic Accumulation on Rhizophora mucronata Seedling Survival in the Mangrove Ecosystem of South Jakarta
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles in soil dramatically reduce the survival of young mangrove trees, with survival rates dropping from 80% in clean soil to just 20% in heavily polluted soil. This matters because mangrove forests protect coastlines from storms and flooding while filtering water that eventually reaches humans. As plastic pollution increases in coastal areas, we could lose these natural barriers that help protect communities and clean our environment.
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