Mangrove sediment ecological and biogeochemical significance for blue carbon sequestration

Carbon sequestered by vegetated coastal environments (Blue Carbon (BC)) helps alleviate anthropogenic CO2 emissions. However, its efficacy varies with the geographic region of concern. A literature analysis aggregating Carbon Sequestration (CS) levels across essential communities establishes that BC environments represent the most effective natural carbon sinks at the plot size. Still, specific neglected biogeochemical processes result in overestimation. The restricted spatial distribution of coastal ecosystems constrains their worldwide impact, mitigating merely 0.46% of the global fossil fuel carbon dioxide released in 2024. BC is significant for nations with modest fossil fuel production and substantial coastal areas. In 2024, mangroves reduced more than 2% of national fossil fuel pollution. Given that the Paris Agreement relies on locally decided investments, the research suggests that mangrove BC could aid in environmental abatement with other BC habitats.