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Abstract
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Microplastics (MP) are an emerging and lesser-known pollutant that has attracted the attention of researchers
around the world in recent decades. Size of PM is smaller than 5 mm and can be entered in different ways into
marine environments like mangrove forests and interfere with the health of the environment and organisms. The
present study reviews 53 studies in the field of microplastics in different parts (sediments and organisms) of
mangrove forests. About 26% of the 53 studies was published in 2020. In most studies, MP particles were
categorized based on the shape, color, size, and polymer genus. The number of microplastics per kilogram of
mangrove sediments has been reported as 1.22–6390. The effect of sediment texture on the frequency of
microplastic particles and the relationship between sediment pH and MP abundance were also discussed. The
fiber and bright color PMs were more common in living organisms (mollusks, crustaceans, and fish). The PM
particles with different genus (polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate) were
reported for sediment samples. In sediments with smaller sizes and lower pH, microplastics have been detected
more frequently. It was reported that sediments and roots of mangrove forests act as livestock and retain
microplastics for a long time. The highest concentration of MP in different parts of mangrove forests (sediment
and organisms) has been reported for China. Few reports were observed on microplastics in water in mangrove
forests. Also, the concentration of microplastics in sediments and organisms in mangrove forests exposed to
fishing, coastal tourism, urban, and industrial wastewater was higher than those in pristine areas. It is necessary
to conduct comprehensive studies to monitor, control, and evaluate the MP pollution in sediments and various
organisms in mangrove forests worldwide.
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