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Microplastics in mangroves and coral reef ecosystems: a review
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This review examines microplastic pollution in mangrove and coral reef ecosystems, two of the most ecologically sensitive and economically valuable marine habitats. Researchers found that these ecosystems are increasingly contaminated by microplastics from urban runoff, tourism, and fishing activities. The study calls for more targeted research and conservation measures to protect these vulnerable environments from the growing threat of plastic pollution.
Microplastic pollution has recently been identified as a major issue for the health of ecosystems. Microplastics have typically sizes of less than 5 mm and occur in various forms, such as pellets, fibres, fragments, films, and granules. Mangroves and coral reefs are sensitive and restricted ecosystems that provide free ecological services such as coastal protection, maintaining natural cycles, hotspots of biodiversity and economically valuable goods. However, urbanization and industrial activities have started contaminating even these preserved ecosystems. Here we review sources, occurrence, and toxicity of microplastics in the trophic levels of mangrove and coral reef ecosystems. We present detection methods, such as microscopic identification and spectroscopy. We discuss mitigating measures that prevent the entry of microplastics into the marine environment.
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Microplastics pollution in mangrove ecosystems: A critical review of current knowledge and future directions
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This review synthesizes available research on microplastic pollution in mangrove ecosystems, which act as buffers between land and sea and accumulate plastics from both marine and terrestrial sources. The authors identify key gaps in knowledge and call for more research on how microplastics affect these ecologically critical habitats.
Ecological Impacts of Microplastics in Coastal Environment
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This review summarizes the ecological impacts of microplastics in coastal marine environments, covering ingestion and accumulation in marine birds, mammals, turtles, fish, and mollusks, and the broader consequences for sensitive ecosystems including coral reefs and mangroves.
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
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.
Microplastic Contamination in Water, Sediment, and Biota in Mangrove Forests
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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.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.