Carbon sequestration in mangrove ecosystems: Sources, transportation pathways, influencing factors, and its role in the carbon budget

Abstract

Global efforts to mitigate climate change emphasize the critical need to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels and enhance carbon sinks. Mangrove ecosystems, renowned for their substantial carbon sequestration capacity, play a vital role in sequestering significant amounts of carbon. This review explores carbon fluxes in mangrove ecosystems, emphasizing autochthonous and allochthonous carbon sequestration mechanisms. Specifically, it discusses the pathways through which carbon is absorbed and stored, including biological productivity, sediment accumulation, and carbonate precipitation. Furthermore, the role of microbial communities and root systems in carbon stabilization, nutrient cycling, and methane oxidation is also examined, highlighting their significance in enhancing sequestration efficiency. Moreover, this study evaluates the factors influencing carbon sequestration efficiency in mangroves and the methods used for its quantification. Finally, this review assesses the contribution of mangroves to the global carbon budget, emphasizing their strategic role in offsetting atmospheric CO₂ and enhancing coastal ecosystem resilience. However, significant research gaps remain in understanding the mechanism of carbon transformation, the interaction between diverse carbon sources, sediment dynamics, and long-term stability of buried organic matter across varying mangrove settings.