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© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
A. Mitra, Mangrove Forests in India,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-20595-9_5
Chapter 5
Mangroves: A Sink of Heavy Metals
Abstract Rapid industrialization, intense urbanization, expansion of aquaculture,
unplanned tourism and establishment of fish landing units has caused a serious environmental impact on different aspects including biodiversity and health of mangroves. Mangroves are one of the most highly dynamic ecosystems which could
sensitively reflect variations within the environment. Mangroves and their sediments have an important ecological value because they can act as natural sinks for
heavy metals owing to the high capacity to sequester such metals from tidal waters,
estuaries, rivers and other sources. However, according to the author the significant
assimilating potential of mangroves does not mean that the system should be used
as bin of conservative wastes. Implementation of water pollution prevention strategies and restoration of ecological systems coupled with mass awareness are integral
components to maintain the health of mangroves.
Keywords Industrialization · Urbanization · Heavy metals · Natural sinks
Rapid industrialization, intense urbanization, expansion of aquaculture, unplanned
tourism and establishment of fish landing units has caused a serious environmental
impact on different aspects including biodiversity and health of mangroves.
Mangroves are one of the most highly dynamic ecosystems which could sensitively
reflect variations within the environment. One of the most significant ecological
roles for mangroves is maintaining balance and stability within marine habitats by
numerous means including erosion mitigation of coastal landforms (Sarika and
Chandramohanakumar 2008; Chen et al. 2010). Several other ecosystem services
like providing timber, fodder, fishes, honey, wax etc. are also associated with this
dynamic ecosystem. However regulating the health of associated waterbodies (like
estuaries, bays, creeks) and coastal areas by arresting the pollutants is also a major
service offered by these unique halophytes.
The recent urban, recreational and industrial developments of coastal mangrove
areas in different parts of the world have posed a threat on such important ecosystems. Bioaccumulation of anthropogenic chemicals and non-essential nutrients
through the food chain has recently become a matter of concern for several
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
A. Mitra, Mangrove Forests in India,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-20595-9_5
Chapter 5
Mangroves: A Sink of Heavy Metals
Abstract Rapid industrialization, intense urbanization, expansion of aquaculture,
unplanned tourism and establishment of fish landing units has caused a serious environmental impact on different aspects including biodiversity and health of mangroves. Mangroves are one of the most highly dynamic ecosystems which could
sensitively reflect variations within the environment. Mangroves and their sediments have an important ecological value because they can act as natural sinks for
heavy metals owing to the high capacity to sequester such metals from tidal waters,
estuaries, rivers and other sources. However, according to the author the significant
assimilating potential of mangroves does not mean that the system should be used
as bin of conservative wastes. Implementation of water pollution prevention strategies and restoration of ecological systems coupled with mass awareness are integral
components to maintain the health of mangroves.
Keywords Industrialization · Urbanization · Heavy metals · Natural sinks
Rapid industrialization, intense urbanization, expansion of aquaculture, unplanned
tourism and establishment of fish landing units has caused a serious environmental
impact on different aspects including biodiversity and health of mangroves.
Mangroves are one of the most highly dynamic ecosystems which could sensitively
reflect variations within the environment. One of the most significant ecological
roles for mangroves is maintaining balance and stability within marine habitats by
numerous means including erosion mitigation of coastal landforms (Sarika and
Chandramohanakumar 2008; Chen et al. 2010). Several other ecosystem services
like providing timber, fodder, fishes, honey, wax etc. are also associated with this
dynamic ecosystem. However regulating the health of associated waterbodies (like
estuaries, bays, creeks) and coastal areas by arresting the pollutants is also a major
service offered by these unique halophytes.
The recent urban, recreational and industrial developments of coastal mangrove
areas in different parts of the world have posed a threat on such important ecosystems. Bioaccumulation of anthropogenic chemicals and non-essential nutrients
through the food chain has recently become a matter of concern for several