Mangrove Wood Research Articles

Social Perception and Engagement in Mangrove Restoration: A Case Study in Central America

Mangroves are vital intertidal ecosystems that support biodiversity and protect coastal communities, but face increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities that sustain local livelihoods. It is crucial to integrate the social dimension into conservation efforts by encouraging community participation in mangrove restoration. Chame Bay, located on the central Pacific coast of Panama, is a protected area with significant mangrove cover, but despite its management plan, degradation continues due to intensive timber extraction for charcoal production and insufficient natural regeneration. This study investigates local knowledge and perceptions of mangrove functions and regeneration. A proportional stratified sampling of the Chame Bay population was used, with 300 interviews conducted among key stakeholders, including residents and mangrove resource users. Variables such as age, education, and profession were analyzed in relation to perceptions, participation, and willingness to participate in restoration efforts. Results indicate that 24.67% of the population’s primary economic activity is charcoal production from mangrove wood, with 15% of producers already involved in restoration and 60% willing to participate. These findings highlight the potential for community-driven restoration and emphasize the need for environmental education to encourage participation. This study provides essential information for designing restoration strategies in mangrove areas in Central America.

A statistical physics-based methodology for evaluating the efficiency of an adsorption refrigeration cycle using C3H2F4/Maxsorb III

Recently, the statistical physics modeling found a great success in the description of various aspects of adsorption phenomena such as olfaction, depollution, and photovoltaic processes. Therefore, we attempted here to apply this treatment in the domain of refrigeration by an adsorption/ desorption process cycle, using the grand canonical formalism of the statistical physics as a working tool. So, for this study, four advanced equations based on statistical physics treatment are used to clarify the adsorption process at molecular level and define its physico-chemical parameters for refrigeration applications. Our results showed that the double layer model with two energies provides useful details concerning this phenomenon by determining the number of captured HFO-1234ze (E) (C3H2F4) molecules per site nAM, the density of receptor site Drs, the adsorption quantity at saturation N a sat and two energetic parameters Phs1 and Phs2. The steric results revealed that the adsorbed C3H2F4 molecules tended towards a parallel position when the temperature increased. Evaluations of the adsorption energies and enthalpy values indicated that the anchoring process is exothermic and of a physisorption nature. In order to improve the thermodynamic efficiency, the coefficient of performance was calculated by analyzing changes in thermodynamic functions, giving a value of 0.58 for the C3H2F4 / Maxsorb III. Also, the COP value can be enhanced by using the same adsorbate with high compressibility to minimize the machine size but changing the present adsorbent by activated carbon derived from biomass such as: Waste Palm Trunk (WPT-AC) and Mangrove wood (M−AC).

Global patterns of mangrove resource utilization: a systematic review

Ecosystem services, encompassing the direct and indirect benefits of natural systems, are extensively studied in the context of mangroves. These carbon-rich ecosystems support coastal fisheries, shorelines, and harvestable resources to local communities. However, research on mangrove ecosystem services primarily are at a local scale, with limited exploration of global variations in resource utilization. This paper aims to bridge this knowledge gap through a systematic review of the existing literature conducted in Web of Science to assess the geographical variations in the coverage of mangrove use and ecosystem services. Out of 310 papers analyzed, Asia had the highest coverage (43%) with support to fisheries (39%) being the most researched ecosystem service worldwide. Direct use of mangrove resources exhibited regional variations, particularly in Asia, Africa, and North America. Mangrove wood, primarily used for fuel (16%) and construction (15%), was the most documented resource, with its usage persisting in low-income countries. Notably, a shift from being a primary income source to subsistence use was observed in Asia, Africa, and South America. Intrinsic and cultural services were less mentioned in the literature, emphasizing the need for future studies to focus on these areas to ensure culturally sensitive conservation efforts.

Utilization of Three Species of Mangrove Wood Branches for Briquettes and Its Preference as Alternative Solid Biofuel

Wood briquettes - one of the biomass energies - were produced from three species of mangrove wood branches, namely mata buaya (Bruguiera sexangula), buta-buta (Excoecaria agallocha), and bakau minyak (Rhizophora apiculata) using three types of starch adhesives made from tapioca, maize, and potato. This study aimed to evaluate user preferences for the kind of fuel, and responses to acceptance of the use of briquettes, and to analyze the effect of attributes on interest in using wood briquettes from mangrove wood branches. Cylindrical briquettes were produced in dimensions of 3 cm diameter and 4 cm thickness. After obtaining all the data, variance analysis and chi-square analysis were conducted. Before conducting the preference survey, evaluations of calorific value and color performance were carried out. The wood briquettes of this study have a calorific value that has met the ISO 17225-3:2-2020 standard of class A2. Even though the three types of wood briquettes differ in their L* (brightness), a* (red/green), and b* (blue/yellow) values, each briquette has a neutral color. A survey was conducted on 60 respondents using a questionnaire to evaluate user preferences for the type of fuel, responses to acceptance of the use of briquettes, and the effect of attributes on interest in using wood briquettes from mangrove wood branches. The results showed that gas is still the most preferred fuel by respondents, with as many as 35 people (58.33%). Meanwhile, 54 respondents (90%) stated they would use wood briquettes. Wood briquettes made of Bakau minyak wood species were the most preferred, with as many as 28 people (46.67%). The chi-square analysis results suggested no relationship between the preference for using wood briquettes from mangrove wood branches and fuel attributes. Based on this study, wood briquettes of mangrove wood branches have the potential to be an alternative fuel as long as their availability is easy to obtain.

Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in European Hake Fish (Merluccius merluccius) smoked by Mangrove Wood and Timber Wood

Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in European Hake Fish (Merluccius merluccius) smoked by Mangrove Wood and Timber Wood

Fiber Quality of Seven Mangrove Wood Species

Fiber Quality of Seven Mangrove Wood Species

Phytochemical Profile of Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, and Bruguiera cylindrica for Wood Identification

Identification of wood species that are difficult to distinguish from their anatomical structure can be done through phytochemical (extractive substance) profiling. This research aimed to analyze the phytochemical profile as a sorter for three species of mangrove wood from Indramayu and Cilacap Regencies, Indonesia, using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrum. The phytochemical markers of taxonomic were the dominant compounds only found in one wood species. The results showed that the three types of wood are dominated by phytochemicals dissolved in ethanol. The results of LCMS analysis of the ethanol extract showed that the phytochemical markers were triterpenoid, flavonoid, and fatty acyls glycoside groups for Rhizophora apiculata, steroid and naphthalene groups for Bruguiera gymnorhiza, and alkaloid as well as fatty amide group for Bruguiera cylindrica. The dominant compounds that characterize these can be used in sorting between mangrove wood species. Keywords: characterizer, compound, mangrove, phytochemicals

Physical, chemical, and thermal properties of branches mangrove wood of Bruguiera gymnorhiza during conversion into charcoal and charcoal briquette

This study investigated physical, chemical, and thermal properties of the branch’s mangrove wood of Bruguiera gymnorhiza during conversion into charcoal and charcoal briquette. Two types of the branches were wood only (WO) and wood with bark (WB). Physical property of moisture content (MC) dropped from 34.76% to 3.02% for WO and 33.71% to 6.46% for WB when the wood was converted into charcoal briquette. In chemical property, carbon dioxide increased up to more than 90% for both WO and WB samples when the branches wood experienced carbonization into charcoal. Thermal properties comprised of calorific value showed positive characteristics of the branches wood when they were converted into bioenergy such as charcoal and briquette charcoal. The calorific value (MJ/kg) increased from 16.33 to 29.57 and 28.08, respectively for WO and from 15.98 to 26.72 and 26.07, respectively for WB. All these values indicated that branches of mangrove wood originated from B. gymnorhiza were prospective to be developed as source of bioenergy, particularly in the form of charcoal and briquette charcoal.

Crude Oil Biodegradation Performance in Natural Seawater of a Trichoderma species from Decaying Mangrove Wood in East Kalimantan

Large-scale petroleum production poses environmental and human health risks, particularly due to petroleum contamination in marine environments. The aim of this study was to isolate and screen fungi inhabiting decaying mangrove wood in East Kalimantan with their ability to degrade crude oil in seawater. In the initial step, fungi were isolated using standard methods and screened for crude oil degradation and biomass production. Selected fungi were based on their significant biomass production. Subsequently, the selected fungus was cultured in three types of media based on natural seawater and crude oil at initial concentrations ranging from 1% to 5% (v/v). The biodegradation of crude oil was assessed spectrophotometrically at 420 nm. Out of the 17 decaying wood fungi, MG-07 exhibited significantly higher biomass production compared to the control medium (without crude oil). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated that MG-07 degraded 20%–80% of the normal aliphatic compounds in the tested crude oils within 2 weeks. Furthermore, the growth and degradation efficiency of MG-07 was significantly enhanced when cultured in a natural seawater medium containing crude oil, supplemented with glucose (20 g/L) and Tween 80 (1% v/v). The highest observed biomass gains were 867%, with a biodegradation efficiency of 31.6% at a crude oil concentration of 1%. MG-07 was identified as Trichoderma sp. based on the internal transcribed spacer region. The results obtained from this study demonstrate that MG-07 has significant potential for degrading crude oil in saline environments. These findings provide valuable insights for the application of fungi in marine oil spill remediation.

Effect of storage temperature on the bacterial flora and sensory quality of vacuum packaged smoked catfish (<i>Clarias anguillaris</i>)

This study evaluated the effect of two storage temperatures on the bacterial flora and sensory quality of vacuum packaged smoked catfish (Clarias anguillaris). The catfish was hot smoked using a traditional kiln, with mangrove wood as the source of heat. Total bacterial count (TBC) and sensory parameters (colour, smell. dryness and general appearance) were determined during storage at ambient (28 ± 2°C) and refrigeration (4°C) temperatures for 0-8 weeks. Bacteria were enumerated, isolated and identified using standard methods. Vacuum packaged smoked catfish stored at 4°C (VPCR) had the lowest TBC which increased from 3.23 – 3.58 log10 cfu/g within 2 weeks of storage and stabilized at 3.44 log10 cfu/g for 4 – 8 weeks. The TBC of the vacuum packaged smoked catfish stored at ambient temperature (28 ± 2°C) ranged from 3.32 – 6.88 log10 cfu/g within 6 weeks of storage. The bacteria isolated from fresh catfish belonged to nine genera, namely, Bacillus, Chryseobacterium, Escherichia, Lysinibacillus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Vibrio. Only Bacillus and Proteus species were isolated from freshly smoked catfish. Isolates from vacuum packaged samples were Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Proteus and Staphylococcus. Molecular characterization of three isolates from fresh catfish revealed that the species were Chryseobacterium aquifridigense, Lysinibacillus mycoides and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The sensory scores for sample VPCR stored for 8 weeks did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.05) from freshly smoked catfish, except for the colour. Non-packaged and vacuum packaged smoked catfish samples were of good quality during storage at ambient temperature for 4 weeks, and 4 – 6 weeks, respectively.

Traditional ecological knowledge of mangrove wood use on the Brazilian Amazon coast

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) has been widely used and valued as a reliable source of information in the development of research on the various uses of the forest. Here, the socio-environmental factors that affect the traditional knowledge of extractivists about the uses of mangrove wood in an estuarine-coastal community in the Brazilian Amazon region were analyzed. The grouping of words evoked in semi-structured interviews with 108 local informants highlighted the lexicons that best express the use of mangrove wood. Factorial correspondence analysis was used to assess the intersection between words and age groups, helping to indicate respondents' TEK of these uses. Most respondents say that wood is used for domestic (family) purposes, mainly charcoal and weir, and that these purposes and applications were taught by the older generation of the community. The traditional uses of the species Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, and Laguncularia racemosa have been validated by the scientific literature through their technological properties. From this validation, a relevant contribution is to include the participation of users in intervention processes by using their TEK, making the planning process of preventive conservation strategies and management proposals more efficient, promoting the reduction of a future advance deforestation in this region. Likewise, such information is relevant to guide the social actors involved in the implementation of public policies, favouring the creation of new alternatives and solutions for better management and use of wood resources in mangrove areas.

Study of antioxidant activity and microbiological parameters on rosella mangrove syrup preservation

As an archipelagic country, Indonesia has enormous potential for marine and fishery resources. Basalt areas along the coast of Indonesia are habitats for mangrove ecosystems. However, utilising existing mangrove resources still relies on direct benefits such as mangrove wood which causes damage to the existing mangrove ecosystem. Concepts of sustainable use is to process mangrove fruit into functional food, namely mangrove syrup from pedada (Sonneratia caseolaris). The syrup from the mangrove fruit is combined with the natural dyes of roselle flowers. In this study, storage temperature testing was carried out by observing the value of antioxidant activity and microbiological contamination. Storage was carried out at temperatures of 10, 25 and 35C, respectively, with a storage time of 28 days. The results showed that as long as storage, the value of antioxidant activity decreased. The lowest value at storage is 10; 25; and 35°C respectively 49.73; 43.72; and 39.92. In addition, storage at 35°C for 28 days showed the highest growth of microorganisms, which was 293.33 CFU. This shows that storing mangrove syrup should be carried out at low temperatures (refrigerator) by reducing direct contact with sunlight to maintain the antioxidant quality of the syrup and other nutritional compositions.

Kokoda People: Mobilization, Marginalization and Their Economic Lives in Sorong, Southwest Papua

This qualitative study uses Oberschall's Theory of Resource Mobilization (RMT) and Allport's theory of social prejudice, to describe the situation of the Kokoda people in Sorong. The data come from oral sources, interviews, observation and documents. The findings show that the mobilization of the Kokoda people in land of Tarof in Sorong, Southwest Papua was not merely a matter of becoming workers but was rather a political interest ahead of the 1969 PEPERA, Act of Free Choice, as a form of integration of Papua into the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. However, this study also shows that the work carried out by most of the Kokoda people in Sorong, as rock diggers and sellers of mangi-mangi (mangrove) wood and peat, has marginalized them. This ‘entity economy’ has led to racism against the already marginalized Kokoda clan because the community views that they destroy nature by cutting down mangrove forests and digging rocks from now-dead coral reef.

Briquettes Made of Branches Wood of Three Mangrove Species Bonded by Starch Adhesive.

The development and utilization of wood briquettes is one of the efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, including to fulfill overseas market need. This study aimed to evaluate the properties of wood briquettes made of the branches of three mangrove species and to analyze the effect of different wood species of mangrove branches, and the types of starch adhesive, on the quality of wood briquettes. The wood briquettes made in this study were 3 cm × 4 cm in a cylindrical shape using three wood species of mangrove branches, namely mata buaya (Bruguiera sexangula), buta-buta (Excoecaria agallocha), and bakau minyak (Rhizophora apiculata), while the adhesives used were tapioca starch, maize starch, and potato starch. The results showed that the moisture, ash content, and calorific value of the wood briquettes mostly met the ISO 17225-3:2-2020 class A2 standard and the specification and quality standards of wood briquettes for Grade A2 issued by the Korea Forest Research Institute, except the density. Wood briquettes made of mata buaya by using the three types of starch adhesives generally had better properties than all other types of wood briquettes. The interaction of mangrove wood species and the types of starch adhesive had a significant effect on the properties of wood briquettes, except for volatile matter and calorific value for which they had no significant effect. The use of wood briquettes from mangrove wood branches contributes to sustainable forest management and maintains the ecological function of mangrove forests while providing environmentally friendly alternative energy for households as a source of fuel/energy. Furthermore, future research is needed, such as investigating the optimal pressing pressure needed to achieve higher density of the wood briquettes.

Carbon Conversion Using High Voltage Plasma Method Based on Mangrove Wood Charcoal

This study investigates the conversion of mangrove wood charcoal into graphene using high voltage plasma technology through arc discharge. The experiment involves heating carbon with high voltage plasma generated from rod and plate electrodes. The variables examined are the electrode distance and carbon treatment time. The results demonstrate the successful conversion of mangrove wood charcoal into graphene. The generated plasma is influenced by the electrode distance, with a 1 cm gap producing stronger bluish-orange plasma. Varying the treatment time also affects the graphene yield, with a 3-minute treatment generating more graphene compared to 2 minutes, and 2 minutes yielding more graphene than 1 minute. XRD analysis reveals characteristic peak shifts indicative of graphene presence. SEM analysis confirms the graphene structure with porous features and sub-micrometer sizes. SEM images and diameter data further validate the successful conversion of carbon into graphene. These findings provide a foundation for the development of high voltage plasma-based production of graphene from mangrove wood charcoal. The utilization of a 10kV Neon Power Supply transformer enables the generation of high voltage plasma for the carbon-to-graphene conversion process. The electrode distance in the transformer plays a crucial role, as greater distances result in higher voltages, while shorter distances lead to lower voltages. This research significantly contributes to expanding the knowledge and application of graphene in various scientific and engineering fields. Moreover, the understanding of how electrode distance affects the generated voltage using a Neon Power Supply transformer is an important finding for optimizing the performance of this type of transformer.

Does mangrove vegetation structure reflect human utilization of ecosystem goods and services?

Many coastal communities in developing countries depend on mangrove ecosystem services (ES). A combination of anthropogenic and environmental stresses threatens mangroves globally. This study at the Ankobra catchment communities in Ghana focused on the relation between ES utilization and mangrove forest structure. Through vegetation survey, we observed significant effects of selective logging, branch cutting, density of Acrostichum aureum, and water stress on tree stocking and sapling densities. We observed through interviews in five communities that about 98% and 88% of mangrove wood harvested are used for fuelwood and construction respectively. The vegetation structure of the forest areas receiving high harvesting pressures was less complex, with lower tree and sapling density, as well as lower seed-bearing trees than less-disturbed areas. Existing mangrove harvesting regulations are compromised to accommodate the needs of the surrounding communities. Recognizing these impacts is important to improve management decisions, address community needs, and reduce pressure on mangroves.

Comparing Smoked Fish Quality of Traditional and Improved Modern Ovens Using Dendro-Energy from Mangrove and Tropical Forest Woods and Implications for Conservation in Central African Atlantic Coast, Cameroon

Smoked fish qualitative organoleptic parameters (color, smell, texture and taste) and quantitative proximate parameters (protein and ash content and salt mineral: Ca, Iron, Mg, Zn content in ash) of two species (Ethmalosa fimbriata and Pseudotolithus elongatus) smoked in traditional and modern ovens with wood from mangrove (Rhizophora racemosa) and two tropical forest (Sacoglottis gabonensis and Albizia glaberrina) species in Douala-Edea Atlantic coast, Cameroon are presented. Women processors significantly spend more time, consume more wood and consequently release significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the environment with traditional smoking system. Organoleptic characteristics were significantly different with ovens types but not with different wood species except color (black and marron from inland forest wood species and preferred brownish and golden brown colored smoked fish from mangrove wood). Fish food constituents yielded for improved smoked oven: Protein content (65.52%; 69.45%), ash content (6.21%; 5.57%) and traditional oven: Protein content (70.65%; 75.00%), ash content (5.73%; 6.33%) for Ethmalosa fimbriata and Pseudotolithus elongatus respectively. Results also confirmed good dietary quality of fish samples (source of calcium, iron and magnesium). Some energy efficient management techniques and conservation implications were proposed regarding qualitative and quantitative improvement of smoked fish.

Performance of natural product-based materials as adhesives in the fabrication of mangrove wood composites

Biodegradable adhesives prepared using three different forms of soy protein-based products (defatted soy flour/soy protein concentrate/soy protein isolate), sodium hydroxide, and itaconic acid polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (IA-PAE) with 0 wt%–20 wt% substitution rates were utilized to enhance the production of mangrove wood composites. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and ultra-high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy were employed to characterize the composite samples. Other measurements involved the determination of viscosity, pH, physical, mechanical, dimensional stability, CT numbers, and relative electron density parameters. The ideal curing conditions for the composite bio-adhesives were found to be 15 wt% IA-PAE, 602.50 ± 172.21–391.11 ± 105.82 mPa s, pH 11.0, 180 °C, and 18 min, respectively. The improved physiochemical characteristics of DSF, SPC, and SPI confirmed that NaOH/IA-PAE was integrated into the adhesive system and ameliorated the overall performance of the resulting composites. The results showed that all composite samples, except for those bonded with 0 wt% and 5 wt% IA-PAE, matched up with the quality specification stated in the JIS A-5908 and ASTM D1037. Samples D1, D2, and D3 exhibited optimum characteristics, demonstrating their uses in the development of low-toxicity and sustainable reference tissue substitute phantom in radiological areas.

Anatomical properties of branches and twigs mangrove woods

In order to optimize the utilization of mangrove woods, particularly branches and twigs parts, this research was conducted to investigate anatomical properties of three species of mangrove woods, namely api-api (Avicennia marina), bakau minyak (Rhizopora apiculata), and berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris). The properties were comprised of both microtome sections and macerations dimensions. Procedure for microtome followed Sass method, resulted in three sections for each part, namely cross-section (L/longitudinal), radial/R section, and tangential/T section. Technical procedure for maceration based on Forest Product Laboratory (FPL) method, resulted in measurement of fiber dimension and derivative of fiber dimension. In term of microtome, the anatomical features between branches and twigs for each species in L, R, T sections are similar, but their quantitative anatomical observations between twigs and branches have differences in the vessel, rays and fiber parameters statistically. In term of fiber dimension and its derivatives (Runkel Ratio, Felting Power, Mulhstep Ratio, Coefficient Rigidity, Flexibility Ratio) both branches and twigs showed same quality class, namely 3rd class with scored 150-175 points.

Mangroves in Southeast Aru Marine Protected Area

Southeast Aru Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a 114,000 hectares reserve-type national conservation area in Arafura Sea, Maluku Province, Indonesia where the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries managed since 2009. Its mangrove is the largest coastal ecosystem which is important for sustainable fisheries and coastal disaster mitigation. The main objective of this study is to understand the condition of mangrove community, its impact on fisheries and threats to its continuity. Stratified random sampling on three plots of 10 m x 10 m and hemispherical photography are employed on 13 observation sites across four zones. Local fishermen are interviewed about their activities related to mangroves. From 13 observation sites, 19 species from 8 families and 10 genera are identified. The average of mangrove density and its canopy coverage were respectively 2,997 stand/ha and 74.66%. These values can be interpreted as in good condition and moderate coverage (KepmenLH 201/2004). Rhizophora mucronate and Sonneratia alba are the two most dominant species in all observation sites. Local fishermen’s activities in the mangrove area are catching crabs, trap-fishing, and cutting mangrove woods for firewood and/or simple non-permanent housing. Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Phemphis acidula, Rhizophora mucronate and Ceriops tagal are their favourites.