Mangrove blue carbon at higher risk of microplastic pollution

Earth's oceans and coastal ecosystems are a major sink for carbon storage, known as blue carbon. Sequestration of carbon is vitally important in the fight against climate change as it 'locks away' this molecule, alleviating pressure on greenhouse gas-induced warming. Seagrasses, salt marshes and mangroves are important carbon sinks in our coastal ecosystems, with a fast rate of sequestration over long timescales. However, anthropogenic activities are threatening their survival, posing a risk of damaging these areas, resulting in the release of carbon back into the atmosphere to contribute to climate warming once more.