The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Blue Nitrogen: Global Rates and Economic Importance
ID:1475 Oral Presentation

2027-01-13 09:45 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 26 - Blue Ecosystems in Transition: From Microbes to Seascapes and Global Impact

Abstract
Nitrogen (N) pollution drives widespread coastal ecosystem collapse. In this paper, we argue that mangrove forests represent an undervalued natural mitigation solution for N pollution. By performing a comprehensive global meta-analysis, we reveal that mangroves remove 870 Gg N annually, which represents an economic value reaching $8.7 billion via N credit-based valuation. This value is more than 12 times higher than the annual carbon credits value derived from mangrove carbon sequestration. Despite the substantial economic importance of mangroves' N-removal capacity, it remains largely overlooked in current conservation frameworks. Moreover, we argue that N removal by mangroves has the potential of removing over 5 million tonnes of N each year under optimal conditions. We also highlight critical environmental thresholds demonstrating that this service is vulnerable: extreme eutrophication, rising mean annual temperature above 22°C, and hypersalinity all suppress mangrove N removal capacity. Our findings provide the scientific foundation to integrate “Blue Nitrogen” credits in a larger N-credit framework, offering a transformative financing mechanism for coastal water quality management that could reshape both mangrove conservation and N pollution mitigation strategies, worldwide.
Speaker
Benoit Thibodeau The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Author
Benoit Thibodeau The Chinese University of Hong Kong

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027