Mapping Potential Carbon Content of Seaweed Species as Gas Regulation in Sekotong Waters, West Lombok

Abstract

Seagrass is one of the ecosystems that contributes to carbon absorption through the process of photosynthesis which can be stored in the form of biomass in the leaves, rhizomes and roots. The consequences of community gold mining in Sekotong District, West Lombok, have an impact on heavy metal (Mercury/Hg) pollution. The research aims to map the potential carbon sequestration capabilities of seagrass species in Sekotong waters, West Lombok. The research method used is descriptive quantitative in which the variable studied in the study is the carbon content of seagrass species affected by mercury pollution in the waters of the village, especially at Pewaringan Sak Beach. The results showed that the average Hg and carbon content of seagrass species in seagrass beds were Station 1: (Hg: 0.31, Carbon: 63%), Station 2: (Hg: 0.45, Carbon: 50%) and Station 3: (Hg :0.35%, Carbon:55%). The conclusion is that the carbon content in seagrass species decreases with the level of mercury involvement in seagrass species. The research results are expected to be used as a source of information related to carbon absorption by seagrasses in Sekantung waters, West Lombok so that they can be taken into consideration for the management of water areas, especially the waters of Waring Sekotong, West Lombok. Further research is needed on the potential of seagrass carbon sequestration as a gas regulator to prevent climate change due to greenhouse gases.