Mangrove Carbon Sequestration Research Articles

Soil greenhouse gas fluxes partially reduce the net gains in carbon sequestration in mangroves of the Brazilian Amazon

There is interest in assessing the potential climate mitigation benefit of coastal wetlands based on the balance between their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon sequestration. Here we investigated soil GHG fluxes (CO2 and CH4) on mangroves of the Brazilian Amazon coast, and across common land use impacts including shrimp farms and a pasture. We found greater methane fluxes near the Amazon River mouth (1439 to 3312 μg C m−2 h−1), which on average are equivalent to 37% of mangrove C sequestration in the region. Soil CO2 fluxes were predominant in mangrove forests to the East of the Amazon Delta. Land use change shifted mangroves from C sinks (mean sequestration of 12.2 ± 1.4 Mg CO2e ha−1 yr-1) to net GHG sources (mean loss of 8.0 ± 3.3 Mg CO2e ha−1 yr−1). Our data suggests that mangrove forests in the Amazon can aid decreasing the net annual emissions in the Brazilian forest sector in 9.7 ± 0.8 Tg CO2e yr−1 through forest conservation and avoided deforestation.

Warming stimulates mangrove carbon sequestration in rising sea level at their northern limit: An in situ simulation

AbstractGlobal warming and sea‐level rise are directly influencing the growth, distribution, and greenhouse gas emissions of mangrove forests. However, mangrove forests growing at their latitudinal limits are relatively susceptible to warming; nevertheless, few studies have focused on GHG emissions of latitudinal limits mangrove forests as related to global climate change. To address this knowledge gap, a multiyear in situ control experiment was established in a restored plantation at the northern distribution limit of Kandelia obovata, the most cold‐tolerant mangrove species in China, to simulate both warming and sea‐level rise. We investigated the growth patterns and sediment greenhouse gas emissions of a K. obovata population and identified the primary factors contributing to these changes. The results showed that warming and moderate sea‐level rise enhanced biomass by more than 18%, indicating that warming stimulated plant growth while excessive sea‐level rise inhibited it. The sediment greenhouse gas emissions ranged from 45.5 to 484.6 mgCO2 m−2 h−1, 5.6 to 590.3 μgCH4 m−2 h−1, and 11.4 to 385 μgN2O m−2 h−1, which increased with warming while decreased with sea‐level rise, acting as the net source of greenhouse gas emission. Our study predicted that sea‐level rise, while directly changing sediment properties, had combined effects with warming on these studied mangrove forests that were predicted to emit more greenhouse gases from sediments in the future. These findings indicated that K. obovata plantations within their latitudinal limits tend to accumulate more CO2 for biomass carbon storage under warming conditions, while stimulating sediment greenhouse gas emissions, which will offset their climate mitigating effect in future climatic scenarios.

Estimated mangrove carbon stocks and fluxes to inform MRV for REDD+ using a process-based model

Mangrove forests are important due to their strong capability for carbon storage, especially in soils. Understanding carbon dynamics in these forests is fundamental to estimate their roles in carbon storage and mitigating climate change. This study used a process-based model, MCAT-DNDC, to assess mangrove carbon sequestration and fluxes at a 30-m spatial resolution in three African countries, Gabon, Mozambique and Tanzania. The simulated above- and below-ground biomass at inventory plots in each country was approximate to actual observations with mean errors <5% for aboveground biomass and <8% for belowground biomass, indicating that the MCAT-DNDC model can be a useful tool for assessing mangrove carbon storage and fluxes. The results from assessing mangrove carbon storage and fluxes for the three countries showed that the mangroves in these countries are large carbon pools, they export large amounts of dissolved and particulate carbon components to riverine and oceanic ecosystems, and they bury a large amount of carbon in soils. However, soil-borne greenhouse gases CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes from mangrove forest lands were low. There were large differences in all mangrove carbon components among the mangroves in the three countries, indicating that regional or global mangrove carbon stocks estimated using a process-based model may be better than the extrapolations using limited inventories.

The spatial patterns and driving mechanisms of blue carbon ‘loss’ and ‘gain’ in a typical mangrove ecosystem: A case study of Beihai, Guangxi Province of China

The role of mangroves in carbon sequestration is critical in mitigating climate change. For better identifying the carbon conservation hotspots of mangroves influenced by environmental factors, the spatial distribution and driving mechanisms of mangrove vegetation and soil carbon sequestration, as well as the future carbon dynamics of mangroves, required clarification. Firstly, we assessed the spatial pattern of vegetation biomass and soil depth-varied soil total organic carbon (TOC) in Xiaoguansha, Guangxi Province of China, and its relationships with duration of inundation (DTI) were explored. Additionally, the carbon storage capacity of adjacent mangrove tidal flats as potential carbon reservoirs was quantified. Thirdly, freshwater, and nutrient inputs, biotic factors of mangrove, and soil composition were selected as impact factors, and their mechanisms in carbon sequestration were elucidated by using Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM). Finally, medium values of environmental factors on mangrove carbon sequestration were revealed, based on which future loss and gain patterns of carbon sequestration under the combined effects were fully discussed. The results showed that: (1) The Above-ground biomass (AGB) and TOC densities were 32.89 Mg C/ha and 185.10 Mg C/ha in the study area, and both were enriched in the Interior areas. The carbon sequestration in the tidal flats was equivalented to >1/5 of total carbon sequestration of mangroves. (2) DTI was the most critical factor affecting the carbon sequestration pattern and was found to be positive correlated with AGB and TOC via changing soil contents (SC), whereas it exhibits a negative correlation with AGB and TOC through influencing canopy density (CD). CD and TP were identified as significant predictors. (3) Median analysis indicated that future carbon ‘gain’ area will move nearshore, whereas the carbon-rich intertidal area may undergo carbon loss. This study provided new insights and scientific understanding for management of mangrove blue carbon function.

Effects of connectivity on carbon and nitrogen stocks in mangrove and seagrass ecosystems

Seascape connectivity increases carbon and nitrogen exchange across coastal ecosystems through flow of particulate organic matter (POM). However, there are still critical gaps in knowledge about the drivers that mediate these processes, especially at regional seascape scales. The aim of this study was to associate three seascape-level drivers which could influence carbon and nitrogen stocks in intertidal coastal seascape: connectivity between ecosystems, ecosystem surface area, and standing vegetation biomass of ecosystems. Firstly, we compared whether connected mangrove and seagrass ecosystems contain larger carbon and nitrogen storage than isolated mangrove and seagrass ecosystems. Secondly, we compared autochthonous and allochthonous POM in mangrove patches and seagrass beds, simultaneously estimating the area and biomass relative contribution to POM of the different coastal vegetated ecosystem. Connected vs isolated mangrove and seagrass ecosystems were studied at six locations in a temperate seascape, and their carbon and nitrogen content in the standing vegetation biomass and sediments were measured. POM contributions of these and surrounding ecosystems were determined using stable isotopic tracers. In connected mangrove-seagrass seascapes, mangroves occupied 3 % of total coastal ecosystem surface area, however, their standing biomass carbon content and nitrogen per unit area was 9–12 times higher than seagrasses and twice as high as macroalgal beds (both in connected and isolated seascapes). Additionally in connected mangrove-seagrass seascapes, the largest contributors to POM were mangroves (10–50 %) and macroalgal beds (20–50 %). In isolated seagrasses, seagrass (37–77 %) and macroalgal thalli (9–43 %) contributed the most, whilst in the isolated mangrove, salt marshes were the main contributor (17–47 %). Seagrass connectivity enhances mangrove carbon sequestration per unit area, whilst internal attributes enhance seagrass carbon sequestration. Mangroves and macroalgal beds are potential critical contributors of nitrogen and carbon to other ecosystems. Considering all ecosystems as a continuing system with seascape-level connectivity will support management and improve knowledge of critical ecosystem services.

Changes in Mangrove Blue Carbon under Elevated Atmospheric CO 2

While there is consensus that blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves, have an important role in mitigating some aspects of global climate change, little is known about mangrove carbon cycling under elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentrations ( e CO 2 ). Here, we review studies in order to identify pathways for how e CO 2 might influence mangrove ecosystem carbon cycling. In general, e CO 2 alters plant productivity, species community composition, carbon fluxes, and carbon deposition in ways that enhance mangrove carbon storage with e CO 2 . As a result, a negative feedback to climate change exists whereby e CO 2 adds to mangrove’s ability to sequester additional carbon, which in turn reduces the rate by which CO 2 builds. Furthermore, e CO 2 affects warming and sea-level rise (SLR) through alternate pathways, which coinfluence the mangrove response in both antagonistic (i.e., warming = greater carbon loss to decomposition) and synergistic (i.e., SLR = greater soil carbon burial) ways. e CO 2 is projected to become a more prominent driver in the future before reaching a steady state. However, given the complexity of the interactions of biological and environmental factors with e CO 2 , long-term field observations and in situ simulation experiments can help to better understand the mechanisms for proper model initialization to predict future changes in mangrove carbon sequestration.

Mangrove biomass sequestration in Benoa Bay

Mangrove ecosystems are coastal ecosystems that can store carbon three times higher than all other forests on earth. Current conditions show a decrease in mangrove forests and damage to mangrove ecosystem conditions that impact reducing mangrove carbon sequestration. Data relating to the potential of sustainable mangrove biomass is currently lacking, so research is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in the amount of mangrove biomass at permanent stations temporally. This research was conducted at 10 sample points in the Benoa Bay area using a stratified purposive sampling method with a quadrant transect measuring 10 meters x 10 meters. Data were collected by measuring DBH on each mangrove stand within the transect. Data analysis was conducted using the common allometric equation by including the wood-specific gravity per species. In general, there was an increase in the average biomass in each plot with an average of 1.315 tons/ha at six months different. This shows that the larger the diameter of the stand, the greater the biomass produced.

Global impacts of projected climate changes on the extent and aboveground biomass of mangrove forests

AbstractAimOver the past 50 years, anthropogenic activities have led to the disappearance of approximately one‐third of the world's mangrove forests and their associated ecosystem services. The synergetic combined effect of projected climate change is likely to further impact mangroves in the years to come, whether by range expansions associated with warming at higher latitudes or large‐scale diebacks linked to severe droughts. We provide an estimate of future changes in the extent and aboveground biomass (AGB) of mangrove forests at global scales by considering contrasting Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios (decade 2090–2100 under RCP 2.6 in line with the Paris Agreement expectations, and RCP 8.5 of higher emissions).LocationGlobal.MethodsBoosted regression trees fitted occurrence and AGB of mangroves against high‐resolution biologically meaningful data on air temperature, precipitation, wave energy, slope and distance to river Deltas.ResultsOn the global scale, models produced for present‐day conditions retrieved high accuracy scores and estimated a total area of 12,780,356 ha and overall biomass of 2.29 Pg, in line with previous estimates. Model projections showed poleward shifts along temperate regions, which translated into comparable gains in total area, regardless of the RCP scenario (area change RCP 2.6: 17.29%; RCP 8.5: 15.77%). However, biomass changes were dependent on the emission scenario considered, remaining stable or even increasing under RCP 2.6, or undergoing severe losses across tropical regions under RCP 8.5 (overall biomass change RCP 2.6: 12.97%; RCP 8.5: −11.51%). Such losses were particularly aggravated in countries located in the Tropical Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, and the Western and Eastern Indo‐Pacific regions (regions with losses above ~20% in overall biomass).ConclusionsOur global estimates highlight the potential effect of future climate changes on mangrove forests and how broad compliance with the Paris Agreement may counteract severe trajectories of loss. The projections made, also provided at the country level, serve as new baselines to evaluate changes in mangrove carbon sequestration and ecosystem services, strongly supporting policy‐making and management directives, as well as to guide restoration actions considering potential future changes in niche availability.

Allometric equations may underestimate the contribution of fine roots to mangrove carbon sequestration

The biomass and production of fine roots (diameter < 2 mm) are often omitted or derived simply from allometric equations when calculating mangrove carbon sinks. The purpose of this study was to assess the significance of fine roots by measuring the biomass and production of the fine roots in two mangrove species (Kandelia obovata and Avicennia marina) with distinct root structures. The aboveground portion of K. obovata and A. marina contributed 44% and 32% of the total carbon stock, respectively. The nonfine roots accounted for 17% of the total carbon stock of both mangrove species. The fine roots and dead fine roots of K. obovata contributed 5% of the total carbon stock, whereas the contribution of fine roots and dead fine roots of A. marina, which possessed pneumatophores, was higher (12%). Comparison of the field measurements with the estimates of belowground net production derived from frequently used allometric equations showed that equation-derived estimates were notably underestimated, particularly for A. marina. The aboveground net production of K. obovata and A. marina averaged 17.04 and 7.46 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, respectively, but 84% and 92% of the litterfall was lost after a year. Subtracting only 4% of the fine root production of K. obovata and 17% of the fine root production of A. marina to account for further decomposition in the soils within a year, an additional 13.67 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 for K. obovata and 11.05 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 for A. marina were calculated to be buried in the soils, which can increase the carbon sequestration capacity estimated from aboveground litterfall only by 5 and 19 times, respectively, for each mangrove species. This suggests that the contribution of fine roots should be accounted for when estimating mangrove carbon sinks.

The Value of Mangrove Ecosystems Based on Mangrove Carbon Sequestration in West Kalimantan

Research on carbon storage is currently in the world spotlight along with the increasing greenhouse effect. Mangroves as one of the ecosystems play a role in blue carbon which can store more carbon than terrestrial forests. Mangroves absorb more carbon than any other forest ecosystem. This is because mangroves are included in wetlands that have the ability to store carbon when the land remains wet. An in-depth discussion was carried out by integrating various literatures on mangroves from 2011–2021 to enrich the information for this research. Mangrove area in West Kalimantan in the period 2011 - 2021 has an area of about 256,586.80 Ha which is dominated by species &lt;em&gt;Brugueira spp., Rhizophora spp., Sonneratia alba, Avicennia spp. Nypa fruticans, Excoecaria agallocha, Xylocarpus moluccensis &lt;/em&gt;and&lt;em&gt; Acrostichum speciosum&lt;/em&gt;. Human activities, abrasion and sedimentation have caused a decrease in the area of mangrove ecosystems in West Kalimantan. An increase in temperature has a global impact on life on the earth's surface and the environmental conditions of mangroves. The decrease in micropopulation and aboveground biomass causes a decrease in infauna species and biomass, affects nutrient cycles, destroys nurseries, and reduces mangrove ecosystem services. The results show that mangrove carbon storage in the period 2011 - 2021 is 628.10 tons C.ha&lt;sup&gt;-1 &lt;/sup&gt;which has an economic valuation of 3,410.50 US$. Efforts to mitigate global warming and trade in mangroves can be carried out through community-based restoration, restoration of forest plantings, integrated coastal ecosystem rehabilitation, and economic approaches.

Estimating and Mapping Mangrove Biomass Dynamic Change Using WorldView-2 Images and Digital Surface Models

Mapping and quantification of biomass changes is critical to understanding mangrove carbon sequestration, conservation, and restoration. Few previous studies have focused on mangrove biomass changes based on high spatial resolution images, particularly for disturbed and recovering areas. This study developed an effective model to estimate and map mangrove aboveground biomass dynamic change between 2010 and 2016 on Qi'ao Island in South China. The study area includes native Kandelia candel ( K. candel ) and planted Sonneratia apetala ( S. apetala ) mangrove species within the largest planted area in China. Models were developed using WorldView-2 images, digital surface models (DSMs), and the random forest algorithm. Accuracies of the model were assessed using multiyear field samples. DSMs were identified as the most important variable for model accuracy, reducing relative error by up to 3.14%. Three models were developed: a model for 2010, another model for 2016, and a combined model for 2010 and 2016. Compared with the 2010 (RMSE = 41.03 t/ha, RMSEr = 24.31%) and 2016 (RMSE = 39.92 t/ha, RMSEr = 23.40%) models, the combined model (RMSE = 50.99 t/ha, RMSEr = 30.48%) only increased the relative error by 6.17% and 7.08%, respectively. Mangrove biomass maps generated from the most accurate models showed total biomass increased from 23270.43 to 39819.03 tons by up to 71.11% over the study period. K. candel total biomass decreased by 36.5% due to Derris trifoliata challenge. S. apetala total biomass increased by 74.79% due to reforestation programs, achieving aboveground biomass accumulation of 4.17 t/ha for stands that existed in 2010. This study provides insights into biomass dynamic change in disturbed and recovering mangrove areas. Future studies should consider using LiDAR techniques to obtain actual tree height applied for biomass estimation instead of DSM.

Global patterns of tree stem growth and stand aboveground wood production in mangrove forests

Mangrove forests provide important ecological and economic services including carbon sequestration and storage. The conservation and restoration of mangroves are expected to play an important role in mitigating climate change, and understanding the factors influencing mangrove stem growth and wood production are important in predicting and improving mangrove carbon sequestration and responses to environmental change. In this study, we collected data of individual diameter at breast height (DBH) growth rate and stand level aboveground wood production in both non-plantation (commonly termed as natural) mangroves and mangrove plantations across the world. Climatic factors, proxies of edaphic factors, as well as biological factors (e.g. mangrove species) were included as explanatory variables in the analyses to determine factors influencing the global patterns of tree growth rate and stand wood production of mangroves. Using hierarchical Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis we found interactions among environmental and biological factors in controlling mangrove tree growth rate and stand wood production. We also found different global patterns of tree growth rate and stand wood production between non-plantation mangroves and plantations. Climatic conditions (precipitation of driest season, precipitation seasonality) were the most important factors influencing the global pattern of tree DBH growth rate in non-plantation mangroves, with edaphic and biological characteristics also playing a role under specific climatic conditions. The global pattern of stand wood production in non-plantation mangroves was primarily determined by stand mean DBH growth rate of individual trees. However, in mangrove plantations management measures, specifically species selection and planting density, were the most important factors influencing the global patterns of tree growth rate and stand wood production. Our study provides parameters for a global estimation of long-term carbon sequestration in both non-plantation mangroves and mangrove plantations. In addition, our results help us better predict the dynamics of tree growth and carbon sequestration of non-plantation mangroves under changing climate.

Establishing rates of carbon sequestration in mangroves from an earthquake uplift event.

We assessed the carbon stocks (CS) in mangroves that developed after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Silonay, Oriental Mindoro, south Luzon, The Philippines in November 1994. The earthquake resulted in a 50 cm uplift of sediment that provided new habitat within the upper intertidal zone which mangroves colonized (from less than 2 ha pre-earthquake to the current 45 ha, 23 years post-earthquake). The site provided an opportunity for a novel assessment of the rate of carbon sequestration in recently established mangroves. The carbon stock was measured in above-ground, below-ground and sediment compartments over a seaward to landward transect. Results showed a mean carbon stock of 549 ± 30 Mg C ha-1 (of which 13% was from the above-ground biomass, 5% from the below-ground biomass and 82% from the sediments). There was high carbon sequestration at a 40 cm depth that can be inferred attributable to the developed mangroves. The calculated rate of C sequestration (over 23 years post-earthquake) was 10.2 ± 0.7 Mg C ha-1 yr-1 and is comparable to rates reported from mangroves recovering from forest clearing. The rates we present here from newly developed mangroves contributes to calibrating estimates of total CS from restored mangroves (of different developmental stages) and in mangroves that are affected by disturbances.

Effects of tree thinning on carbon sequestration in mangroves

Mangrove overgrowth could decrease biodiversity and increase flooding risk. Thinning has been proposed as a managerial action, which would decrease the capacity of mangroves for carbon sequestration. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between differences in mangrove tree density and carbon sequestration capacity. Three sampling sites were established in the Fangyuan mangroves of Taiwan, including seaward and landward sites with Avicennia marina and a site with Kandelia obovata, with control (C; no thinning), medium thinning (MT; 50% thinning) and high thinning (HT; only one tree left at the centre) treatments. The HT treatment significantly reduced the areal carbon sequestration rates (66–84%), but the reductions in the MT treatment were much lower (3–30%). Considering the carbon sequestration per tree, the HT treatment resulted in the significantly highest rates (two- to fivefold higher) than those under the MT and C treatments. Medium thinning appears to be the optimal strategy to meet the demand of reducing the loss of carbon sequestration capacity for mangrove management. Together, the data from in the present study and the relevant literature suggest a maximum level of carbon sequestration by managing the density to 30600treesha–1 for K. obovata and 10500treesha–1 for A. marina.

Tidal dynamics and mangrove carbon sequestration during the Oligo\u2013Miocene in the South China Sea

Modern mangroves are among the most carbon-rich biomes on Earth, but their long-term (≥106 years) impact on the global carbon cycle is unknown. The extent, productivity and preservation of mangroves are controlled by the interplay of tectonics, global sea level and sedimentation, including tide, wave and fluvial processes. The impact of these processes on mangrove-bearing successions in the Oligo–Miocene of the South China Sea (SCS) is evaluated herein. Palaeogeographic reconstructions, palaeotidal modelling and facies analysis suggest that elevated tidal range and bed shear stress optimized mangrove development along tide-influenced tropical coastlines. Preservation of mangrove organic carbon (OC) was promoted by high tectonic subsidence and fluvial sediment supply. Lithospheric storage of OC in peripheral SCS basins potentially exceeded 4,000 Gt (equivalent to 2,000 p.p.m. of atmospheric CO2). These results highlight the crucial impact of tectonic and oceanographic processes on mangrove OC sequestration within the global carbon cycle on geological timescales.

Opportunities and challenges for mangrove carbon sequestration in the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam

Increasing value is attributed to mangroves due to their considerable capacity to sequester carbon, known as ‘blue carbon’. Assessments of opportunities and challenges associated with estimating the significance of carbon sequestered by mangroves need to consider a range of disciplinary perspectives, including the bio-physical science mangroves, social and economic issues of land use, local and international law, and the role of public and private finance. We undertook an interdisciplinary review based on available literature and fieldwork focused on parts of the Mekong River Delta (MRD). Preliminary estimates indicate mangrove biomass may be 70–150 t ha−1, but considerably larger storage of carbon occurs in sediments beneath mangroves. These natural stores of carbon are compromised when mangroves are removed to accommodate anthropogenic activities. Mangroves are an important resource in the MRD that supplies multiple goods and services, and conservation or re-establishment of mangroves provides many benefits. International law and within-country environmental frameworks offer increasing scope to recognize the role that mangrove forests play through carbon sequestration, in order that these might lead to funding opportunities, both in public and private sectors. Such schemes need to have positive rather than negative impacts on the livelihoods of the many people living within and adjacent to these wetlands. Nevertheless, many challenges remain and it will require further targeted and coordinated scientific research, development of economic and social incentives to protect and restore mangroves, supportive law and policy mechanisms at global and national levels, and establishment of long-term financing for such endeavours.

Organic carbon inventories in natural and restored Ecuadorian mangrove forests.

Mangroves can capture and store organic carbon and their protection and therefore their restoration is a component of climate change mitigation. However, there are few empirical measurements of long-term carbon storage in mangroves or of how storage varies across environmental gradients. The context dependency of this process combined with geographically limited field sampling has made it difficult to generalize regional and global rates of mangrove carbon sequestration. This has in turn hampered the inclusion of sequestration by mangroves in carbon cycle models and in carbon offset markets. The purpose of this study was to estimate the relative carbon capture and storage potential in natural and restored mangrove forests. We measured depth profiles of soil organic carbon content in 72 cores collected from six sites (three natural, two restored, and one afforested) surrounding Muisne, Ecuador. Samples up to 1 m deep were analyzed for organic matter content using loss-on-ignition and values were converted to organic carbon content using an accepted ratio of 1.72 (g/g). Results suggest that average soil carbon storage is 0.055 ± 0.002 g cm−3 (11.3 ± 0.8% carbon content by dry mass, mean ± 1 SE) up to 1 m deep in natural sites, and 0.058 ± 0.002 g cm−3 (8.0 ± 0.3%) in restored sites. These estimates are concordant with published global averages. Evidence of equivalent carbon stocks in restored and afforested mangrove patches emphasizes the carbon sink potential for reestablished mangrove systems. We found no relationship between sediment carbon storage and aboveground biomass, forest structure, or within-patch location. Our results demonstrate the long-term carbon storage potential of natural mangroves, high effectiveness of mangrove restoration and afforestation, a lack of predictability in carbon storage strictly based on aboveground parameters, and the need to establish standardized protocol for quantifying mangrove sediment carbon stocks.

Wood chemistry and density: An analog for response to the change of carbon sequestration in mangroves

This study aimed to resolve the variations of physical and chemical properties of wood records measured in different mangroves with their annual carbon sequestration. The methods of investigation used were to examine growth rate by monitoring breast height diameter, wood chemistry and density, FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Carbon sequestration rate showing an increase with density varied between 0.088 and 0.171μgCkg−1AGBs−1, and Avicennia marina showed the maximum value and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, the minimum. The changes in FTIR bands at 4000–2500cm−1 and 1700–800cm−1 were correlated to the variations in cellulose in mangrove woods and lignin to cellulose ratio ranged between 0.21 and 1.75. Thermal analyses of mangrove wood suggested that the fuel value index (985–3922) exhibited an increase with the decrease in maximum decomposition temperature and density. The seasonal variation of temperature and CO2 were likely to affect chemical properties through changes in wood density.