Manganese, Mn

Abstract

Manganese is considered an important essential trace element, and there is extensive literature concerning its accumulation in ecosystems. This metal is continuously released into the biosphere by volcanoes and the natural weathering of rocks, but also by numerous anthropogenic activities such as mining, fossil fuel combustion and industrial and urban waste. In this review, recent studies on manganese presence in soil, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems and their organisms are presented. Metal speciation, natural and anthropogenic sources and level of bioaccumulation in biota, as well as abiotic and biotic factors affecting their bioavailability are reviewed, in addition to the use of bioindicator organisms for the biomonitoring of this metal in the environment and the related toxicity mechanisms and ecological effects of manganese pollution.