Abstract

Mangroves and wetlands are critical intermediary ecosystems between terrestrial and marine environments. These ecosystems offer a wide range of invaluable ecological and economic services. However, under the influence of natural and anthropogenic threats, mangroves and wetlands face rapid degradation. Microbes and microbiomes are integral components of a mangrove, playing key roles in the stability of the ecosystem. The present chapter compiles a comprehensive review of the classification and the role of microorganisms in the sustainability of mangrove and wetland ecosystems. The chapter discusses the most critical features of microbial groups, including archaea, bacteria, algae, and fungi in mangroves and wetlands. Bacterial groups under discussion consist of sulfur-related bacteria, nitrogen-related bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and photosynthetic bacteria. A separate section is dedicated to periphytic communities encompassing a microhabitat involving various prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Moreover, biochemical transformations brought about by wetlands' microbial groups are explained. In addition, the following chapter emphasizes the degree of complexity in microbial interactions and draws attention to how alterations to these interactions ultimately impact ecosystems' health status. Furthermore, the role of wetland microorganisms in processes, such as detoxification, bioremediation, methanogenesis, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and transformations, and primary production is articulated.