Mangrove plants have an amazing ability to remove nitrates, phosphates, and organics. Their ability to remove organics is so dramatic, some people find their protein skimmers less effective than mangroves. As people are looking for more natural look to their saltwater aquarium, mangrove plants become more attractive.
Mangroves have natural abilities to live in saltwater. Their root system pores are so tiny, they act as natural reverse osmosis and deionization systems. Mangroves can filter up to 90% of the salt before entering the roots. In addition, mangrove plants have some of the most effective salt secreting glands on their leaves. They use the nitrates, phosphates, and organics as nutrients and they need them to grow.
As mentioned above, mangroves live in one of the toughest environments possible. Living in an intertidal zone presents mangroves with problems terrestrial plants don't have. How can the plant get fresh water when surrounded by salt? How do the roots get oxygen if they are buried in anoxic (oxygen-less) sediments? How do mangrove seeds take root if the tide can easily pick them up and carry them away? These wonderful trees have come up with a number of unique adaptations to allow them to survive and thrive.
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.