Title: A brief review on pollution and ecotoxicologic effects on Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem in Bangladesh

Authors: Mohammed Mahabubur Rahman, Yan Chongling, Kazi Shakila Islam, Lu Haoliang

Addresses: Education and Research Center for Subtropical Field Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8502, Japan. ' School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China. ' The School of Oceanography and Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China. ' School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China

Abstract: The natural ecosystem of the Sundarbans mangrove wetlands is under threat due to anthropogenic activities. This ecosystem has become vulnerable to pollution such as oil spillage, heavy metals, and agrochemicals – which may have changed the mangrove ecosystem|s biogeochemistry. In this paper, the present status of Sundarbans| mangrove pollution is reviewed. The ecotoxicologic effect on its aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna, and pollution management problems are also discussed. Conservation and environmental pollution management for protecting this world|s largest mangrove ecosystem are immediately needed. Environmentally sound technology should be adapted for pollution prevention, control and remediation in the Sundarbans mangrove wetlands.

Keywords: Sundarbans mangrove ecosystems; environmental pollution; pollutants; ecotoxicologic effect; biodiversity; Bangladesh; mangrove wetlands; water pollution; oil spillage; heavy metals; agrochemicals.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2009.027982

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2009 Vol.1 No.4, pp.369 - 383

Published online: 24 Aug 2009 *

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