Addressing knowledge gaps on the role of anaerobic microbial communities in mangrove ecosystems: Implications for contaminant biodegradation and ecosystem conservation

Abstract Mangrove forests, located at the intersection of land and sea in tropical and sub-tropical regions, are vital carbon sinks and provide essential ecosystem services. However, these environments face increasing threats from climate change and human activities, leading to greenhouse gas emissions and contamination with pollutants such as hydrocarbons and metals. Anaerobic microbes in mangrove soils play crucial roles in biogeochemical processes like nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Despite their importance, the functions and dynamics of these microbial communities remain underexplored, especially regarding their role in contaminant biodegradation. Recent advancements in molecular technologies, including next-generation sequencing, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, offer insights into these anaerobic microbial communities, although challenges persist in managing and interpreting large datasets. Understanding how these microbes interact with soil nutrients, plants, and pollutants is critical for enhancing mangrove conservation and remediation efforts. AI-based tools could further aid in processing complex data, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of mangrove microbiomes. Focused studies on the effects of pollutants and the mechanisms of anaerobic biodegradation are essential for developing effective bioremediation strategies to protect these critical ecosystems from ongoing environmental threats.