Actinomycetes of Mangrove Soil Sediments: Environmental Significance and Their Bio‐Prospecting Potential

Mangrove forests are considered one of the most productive ecosystems found in the tropical and subtropical intertidal coastal regions. It is a specialized ecosystem that shares characteristics of both terrestrial and marine environments, thereby sustaining rich biodiversity. The challenging environmental conditions of this ecosystem make it a hotspot for diverse organisms with specialized ecological functions and unique physiological capabilities. Actinomycetes of the mangrove sediment are a group of such organisms that display many unique physiological and ecological characteristics. Mangrove sediment mostly acts as a sink for various pollutants that are often transported into this ecosystem by both riverine and marine activities. Therefore, the microbes of this ecosystem, especially the actinomycetes, play a significant role in the biodegradation of persistent organic pollutants, bio-mobilization and/or immobilization of various inorganic contaminants, and ultimately help in the process of nutrient recycling. Apart from this, microbes that are living in this environment have a great potential for the production of diverse bioactive compounds. Mangrove-associated actinomycetes have been reported as a potential producer of novel antibiotics, antioxidants, antitumor and antifouling agents, and other pharmacological compounds. The present review work highlights how mangrove-associated actinomycetes contribute to environmental health through biodegradation and mineralization of toxic pollutants, and explores their capacity to yield novel bioactive compounds that hold promise for future bioprospecting and biotechnological applications.