An eco-sustainable approach towards heavy metals remediation by mangroves from the coastal environment: A critical review

Mangroves provide various ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, biodiversity depository, and livelihoods. They are most abundant in marine and coastal ecosystems and are threatened by toxic contaminants like heavy metals released from various anthropogenic activities. However, they have significant potential to survive in saltdriven environments and accumulate various pollutants. The adverse effects of heavy metals have been extensively studied and recognized as toxic to mangrove species. This study sheds light on the dynamics of heavy metal levels, their absorption, accumulation and transport in the soil environment in a mangrove ecosystem. The article also focuses on the potential of mangrove species to remove heavy metals from marine and coastal environments. This review concludes that mangroves are potential candidates to clean up contaminated water, soil, and sediments through their phytoremediation ability. The accumulation of toxic heavy metals by mangroves is mainly through roots with limited upward translocation. Therefore, promoting the maintenance of biodiversity and stability in the coastal environment is recommended as an environmentally friendly and potentially costeffective approach.

Automated summary

Mangroves provide ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood support. Despite being threatened by toxic contaminants like heavy metals, mangroves have the potential to survive in saline environments and absorb pollutants. This study explores the dynamics of heavy metal levels in mangrove soil, their absorption, accumulation, and transport. It also highlights the potential of mangrove species in removing heavy metals from marine and coastal environments. The review concludes that mangroves can clean up contaminated water, soil, and sediments through phytoremediation, particularly through root absorption with limited upward translocation. Promoting biodiversity conservation and coastal stability is recommended as an environmentally friendly and potentially cost-effective approach.