Scientists make optimistic discovery while studying mangroves and salt marshes: 'This contribution has previously been o

[Judi Lynn]

Scientists make optimistic discovery while studying mangroves and salt marshes: 'This contribution has previously been overlooked'

"Mangroves are magical forests where we discover nature's secrets."

by Jeremiah BudinApril 12, 2024



Mangroves, a group of trees and shrubs that grow mainly in coastal saline or brackish water, help the environment in several ways: they prevent coastal erosion, provide a nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans, and store carbon.

Now, scientists have discovered that mangrove and salt marshes store twice the amount of carbon as previously thought, as detailed in a report by the University of Gothenburg posted by SciTechDaily.

Researchers from the university analyzed 45 mangrove swamps and 16 salt marshes around the world and found that they were capturing and neutralizing an incredible amount of planet-overheating carbon by converting it into bicarbonate, a harmless substance that can help to mitigate ocean acidification and is used by crustaceans to build shells, per the report.

"We have uncovered additional stored carbon in mangrove forests and salt marshes. Our new findings show that much of the carbon is exported to the ocean-bound as bicarbonate as the tide recedes and remains dissolved in the ocean for thousands of years. Bicarbonate stabilizes the pH and can reduce ocean acidification," said Gloria Reithmaier, a researcher in marine chemistry at the University of Gothenburg, per SciTechDaily. "This contribution has previously been overlooked."

More:
https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/mangroves-salt-marshes-carbon-storage-ocean-acidification/

[magicarpet]

1. Veddy interesting.....

.... delightful post as usual.

[ratchiweenie]

2. Ain't nature just mind blowing!!!!!!

[erronis]

4. Yup. Nature and other non-human stuff keeps me enjoying life.

It's the petty squabbling and murderous part of human nature that gives me heartburn.

[Timeflyer]

3. Mangroves are the first thing to be bulldozed when developers get hold of FL coastal lands.

[judesedit]

5. Aren't the Keys built on mangroves?

Not sure, but thought that's what they looked like. I lived in S FL for 34 years and ventured out to the Keys quite a few times for play. They each had there own special attraction. Much difference between past and present.

Thank you for another interesting bit of information. I sure hope they stop destroying them. Sadly, they're taking the tropical out of Florida.

[judesedit]

6. Thank you Judi Lynn, for so many interesting articles. Love them.

[jaxexpat]

7. Why no mention of the womangroves?

[PatrickforB]

8. Thank you for this post, Judi. I had not realized how important these mangrove swamps are.

It just further illustrates the connectedness of all living things on this earth. Someday (soon I hope) we as a species will begin honoring nature for the miracle it truly is, and treating it gently, to preserve the earth for future generations.

Ah, but only when we have pulled the teeth of Wall Street greed and come to a higher realization around cooperation, collaboration and stewardship.

[BattleRow]

9. "When the last tree

is cut down, the last fish eaten,and the last stream poisoned,then you will realize that you cannot eat money."

Cree prophecy

[orleans]

10. thanks for posting this! nt