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<p>Plastic pollution has become a significant stressor in mangrove ecosystems, where complex root structures improve the trapping and retention of debris. Despite rising global attention, understanding of how plastics accumulate and affect mangrove systems remains geographically uneven. This study uses a systematic review guided by PRISMA 2020 to compile global evidence on plastic distribution patterns and ecological consequences, with a particular focus on Ghana and the West African region. A total of 2142 records were screened, of which 65 studies met the inclusion and quality criteria. Findings indicate that mangrove ecosystems consistently exhibit higher plastic loads than nearby coastal environments, with global macroplastic densities ranging from 0.15 to 1.05&#xa0;items/m<sup>2</sup>, while significantly higher localised densities of approximately 79&#xa0;items/m<sup>2</sup> have been recorded in Ghana. Polyethylene and polypropylene were identified as the dominant polymers across regions, accounting for over 70% of the total plastic composition in most studies. Ecological impacts include disruption of seedling recruitment, alteration of sediment redox conditions, and ingestion by mangrove-associated fauna. Most studies remain concentrated in Asia and Latin America, while West Africa is significantly underrepresented and mainly characterised by cross-sectional research. Furthermore, management responses are implemented inconsistently and rarely evaluated quantitatively. This review emphasises the urgent need for standardised monitoring frameworks, longitudinal studies in African mangroves, and the integration of plastic mitigation strategies into mangrove conservation policies.</p>

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Plastics in mangrove ecosystems: a systematic review of distribution patterns and ecological implications, with focus on Ghana

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月19日

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  • Isaac Aninakwah,
  • Simon Boateng,
  • Enock Aninakwah,
  • Kofi Adu-Boahen,
  • Cynthia Anim,
  • Ethel Gyimah,
  • Evans Asamoah,
  • Bakira Tahiru

摘要

Plastic pollution has become a significant stressor in mangrove ecosystems, where complex root structures improve the trapping and retention of debris. Despite rising global attention, understanding of how plastics accumulate and affect mangrove systems remains geographically uneven. This study uses a systematic review guided by PRISMA 2020 to compile global evidence on plastic distribution patterns and ecological consequences, with a particular focus on Ghana and the West African region. A total of 2142 records were screened, of which 65 studies met the inclusion and quality criteria. Findings indicate that mangrove ecosystems consistently exhibit higher plastic loads than nearby coastal environments, with global macroplastic densities ranging from 0.15 to 1.05 items/m2, while significantly higher localised densities of approximately 79 items/m2 have been recorded in Ghana. Polyethylene and polypropylene were identified as the dominant polymers across regions, accounting for over 70% of the total plastic composition in most studies. Ecological impacts include disruption of seedling recruitment, alteration of sediment redox conditions, and ingestion by mangrove-associated fauna. Most studies remain concentrated in Asia and Latin America, while West Africa is significantly underrepresented and mainly characterised by cross-sectional research. Furthermore, management responses are implemented inconsistently and rarely evaluated quantitatively. This review emphasises the urgent need for standardised monitoring frameworks, longitudinal studies in African mangroves, and the integration of plastic mitigation strategies into mangrove conservation policies.