Interactions between mangrove soil, water, and microbes in degraded, natural, and restored tropical coastline ecosystems

• Published in: Biodiversity (Nepean) Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 21 - 41
• Main Authors: Dookie, Sabrina, Jaikishun, Sirpaul, Ansari, Abdullah Adil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nepean Taylor & Francis 02.01.2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Coasts; Copper; Degradation; Dissolved solids; ecosystem; Ecosystem restoration; Ecosystems; Electrical conductivity; Electrical resistivity; Guyana; Manganese; mangrove soils; Mangrove swamps; Mangroves; microbes; Microorganisms; Organic carbon; Parameters; Physicochemical properties; Seasonal variations; soil; Soil water; Soils; temperature; Total dissolved solids; water; Guyana
• ISSN: 1488-8386; 2160-0651; 2160-0651
• DOI: 10.1080/14888386.2023.2301283

The interactions among soil, water, and microbes are unique and fundamental in mangrove forests. We examined and compared the physicochemical parameters of soil (pH, Organic Carbon (OC), Electrical Conductivity (EC), N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) and water (pH, temperature, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), EC) as well as microbial diversity and abundance in nine natural, degraded, and restored mangrove ecosystems along Guyana's coastline. Sampling was done using a randomized block design for one year in two seasons. Significant differences, correlations (p < 0.05, R > 0.75) and regressions in water and soil parameters were documented for the natural ecosystems and restored ecosystems in both seasons. Additionally, microbial abundance was greater in the restored ecosystems, while seasonal variations in diversity were seen in the degraded and restored ecosystems. Our study lends some credence to the idea that ecosystem type and seasonality can influence soil, water, and microbial interactions, which can ultimately affect mangrove biodiversity. Mangroves fulfill significant functions in coastal protection by mitigating erosion, enhancing sediment accumulation, and actively combating the challenge of rising sea levels. Mangroves significantly enhance productivity within several biogeochemical cycles, hence fostering sustainable biodiversity and establishing advantageous linkages with adjacent forest ecosystems. The exceptional levels of resilience and adaptation exhibited by mangrove forests enable them to consistently deliver ecosystem goods and services, while concurrently serving as effective mitigating agents in the ongoing climate change crisis. Anthropogenic activities pose a significant threat to the viability and effectiveness of mangroves, resulting in the decline and deterioration of these ecosystems.