Impact of mangrove restoration on microplastic bioaccumulation in fiddler crabs across degraded, restored, and natural ecosystems

Understanding the role of mangroves in microplastic (MPs) bioaccumulation is crucial to addressing the pollution in these ecosystems, particularly in restored areas. Here, we 1) evaluate the MPs plastic-biota-sediment accumulation factor (pBSAf) in the fiddler crab Minuca rapax and 2) describe MPs type, colour, and polymeric characteristics in areas with varying restoration and degradation levels in the Southern Gulf of Mexico. We used regression models to evaluate the role of mangrove tree height, basal area, and crab individuals' density in explaining pBSAf. The highest pBSAf values were observed in natural and restored mangrove areas, particularly those with higher crab densities and taller trees. MPs were more diverse in composition in both crabs and sediments from natural areas. Mangrove biota tissue's bioaccumulation may provide insights into ecosystem health and food web impacts and indicate restoration progress.