Rhizophora Mucronata Research Articles

Quantifying carbon stocks in mangrove estuaries of two coastal cities in Tanzania.

Mangrove forests offer a wide range of ecosystem services, including coastal protection and climate regulation. These ecosystems serve as significant carbon sinks, effectively sequestering and storing carbon in their biomass and sediments. However, various human activities have an impact on carbon stocks in mangroves. The current study quantifies the carbon stored in mangrove forests of the Mtoni estuary in Dar es Salaam and the Kisiju estuary in Pwani, Tanzania, from 40 random sampling plots. Seven species of mangroves Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh (Acanthaceae), Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. (Rhizophoraceae), Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C. B. Rob, Heritiera littoralis Dryand. (Malvaceae), Xylocarpus granatum Koen. (Meliaceae), Sonneratia alba J. Smith (Lythraceae), and Rhizophora mucronata Lam were identified. Allometric models were used to estimate aboveground carbon (AGC) and belowground carbon (BGC). An organic elemental analyser determined the organic carbon content in the sediments, followed by calculations using a specific equation for soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Analysis revealed that the mean total carbon stock density in the Mtoni estuary is 334.7 ± 37.88 t/ha, which is equivalent to 1228 t CO2 ha. In contrast, Kisiju stored 345.6 ± 31.7 t/ha, which is equivalent to 1268 t CO2 ha. AGC averages 36.81 ± 7.06 t/ha in Mtoni and 70.65 ± 8.83 t/ha in Kisiju, whereas BGC averages 6.52 ± 1.23 t/ha and 16.61 ± 1.71 t/ha, respectively. The SOC density is greater in Mtoni at 291.45 ± 29.59 t/ha than that in Kisiju at 258.45 ± 21.16 t/ha, constituting 82% of the total carbon pool. The capacity of carbon storage in these mangrove ecosystems highlights their role in mitigating climate change. Nonetheless, fluctuations in carbon stores can be attributed to factors such as conservation status, deforestation rates, salinity, sediment deposition, ecosystem productivity, human disturbances, and urban pollution. The findings highlight the need for further conservation measures to enhance carbon storage and address climate change, offering critical information to policymakers.

Mangrove Ecosystems in the Maldives: A Nationwide Assessment of Diversity, Habitat Typology and Conservation Priorities

This study presents the first comprehensive nationwide assessment of mangrove ecosystems in the Maldives. Surveys were conducted across 162 islands in 20 administrative atolls, integrating field data, the literature, and secondary sources to map mangrove distribution, confirm species presence, and classify habitat types. Twelve true mangrove species were identified, with Bruguiera cylindrica, Rhizophora mucronata, and Lumnitzera racemosa emerging as dominant. Species diversity was evaluated using Shannon (H′), Margalef (d′), Pielou’s evenness (J′), and Simpson’s dominance (λ′) indices. Atolls within the northern and southern regions, particularly Laamu, Noonu, and Shaviyani, exhibited the highest diversity and evenness, while central atolls such as Ari and Faafu supported mono-specific or degraded stands. Mangrove habitats were classified into four geomorphological types: marsh based, pond based, embayment, and fringing systems. Field sampling was conducted using standardized belt transects and quadrats, with species verified using photographic documentation and expert validation. Species distributions showed strong habitat associations, with B. cylindrica dominant in marshes, R. mucronata and B. gymnorrhiza in ponds, and Ceriops tagal and L. racemosa in embayments. Rare species like Bruguiera hainesii and Heritiera littoralis were confined to stable hydrological niches. This study establishes a critical, island-level baseline for mangrove conservation and ecosystem-based planning in the Maldives, providing a reference point for tracking future responses to climate change, sea-level rise, and hydrological disturbances, emphasizing the need for habitat-specific strategies to protect biodiversity.

Estrutura e composição florística do mangal na ilha de Vamizi, norte de Moçambique

The aim of this study was to assess the horizontal structure and floristic composition of the mangrove forest on Vamizi Island, located in the Quirimbas Archipelago, in Cabo Delgado Province, northern Mozambique. To this end, dendrometric data were collected to evaluate species richness, floristic composition, phytosociological parameters, diameter structure, conservation status, and natural regeneration of the forest's species. A total of 865 adult trees were identified and recorded, belonging to four botanical families, six genera, and six species, with Ceriops tagal (1406 trees per hectare), Bruguiera gymnorhiza (773 trees per hectare), and Rhizophora mucronata (273 trees per hectare) being the most abundant. The forest showed a density of 2621 trees per hectare and a total basal area of 26 square metres per hectare. The diameter class distribution followed a reverse J-shaped pattern, which is typical of natural forests. The Vamizi forest is in good conservation condition, although signs of cutting were observed in some areas.

Mangrove Species Composition in The Mangrove Forest of Cendi Manik Village, Sekotong, West Lombok Regency

The mangrove forest in Cendi Manik Village, West Lombok Regency, consists of both natural and rehabilitated areas, the latter of which has been developed into the Bagek Kembar Mangrove Ecotourism site. While the growth of ecotourism has increased public and governmental attention toward the rehabilitated zone, concern for the natural mangrove forest has declined. This study aims to identify mangrove species composition and analyze vegetation density and diversity in the Cendi Manik mangrove area. The research was conducted from February to March 2024 using vegetation analysis methods across 15 plots distributed along three transects. The results identified six main mangrove species: Avicennia marina, A. alba, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, R. stylosa, and Sonneratia alba, with Rhizophora mucronata being the most dominant species, having the highest tree density of 440 individuals/ha. The total tree density reached 1,373.34 individuals/ha, which is categorized as dense according to Indonesian Ministry of Environment Regulation No. 201/2004. The species diversity index (H’) ranged from 1.54 to 1.61, indicating moderate to high diversity levels. The dominance of muddy substrates in the area supports the optimal growth of Rhizophora species. These findings highlight the ecological importance of conserving the remaining natural mangrove forests in Cendi Manik Village, given their vital role in coastal protection, carbon storage, and habitat provision for coastal biota. This research serves as a foundation for more comprehensive and sustainable conservation strategies in the region.

Ethnobotanical Analysis of Mangroves as Food Resources in East Lampung

The world is experiencing a food crisis due to climate change, and mangroves as a blue ecosystem have a significant potential to mitigate this crisis. This research seeks to record the ethnobotanical practices of utilising mangroves, as a food source in East Lampung. We employed the snowball sampling method in Margasari village, Purwerejo village, and Karya Makmur village. In addition, we gathered data on mangrove species, parts of used, processing methods, products, and their properties, through interviews and observations. Also, we analysed the data using descriptive analysis to provide a comprehensive overview of the varieties of mangroves, their processing, and the resulting products. This research revealed that the communities employs five distinct varieties of mangroves as sustenance sources. Mangroves produce various food products from their four components: fruit, juvenile leaves, old leaves, and propagules. Notably, processed products, including pidada fruit (Sonneratia caseolaris), are anti-hypertensive, canker sores, and heartburn treatments. Jeruju leaves (Acanthus ilicifolius) are known to improve stamina, and seeds without the root of Rhizophora mucronata propagules act as anti-gastritis agents, improve blood circulation, and prevent anaemia. Although there are ten processed mangrove products, they are still considered traditional and are not as popular among the newer generation.

Firefly (Pteroptyx tener) abundance in relation to display tree species in Sepetang River, Perak, Malaysia

Pteroptyx tener fireflies are vital to mangrove ecosystems and ecotourism, yet their habitat preferences remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated firefly abundance across three dominant mangrove species (Sonneratia caseolaris, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata) along the Sepetang River, Perak, Malaysia. Firefly counts from ten stations over six months (November 2021 – April 2022) were statistically analysed in Google Colab. The Shapiro-Wilk test (W = 0.678, p = 0.00048) confirmed non-normal data distribution, necessitating non-parametric tests. Levene’s test (W = 0.041, p = 0.96014) indicated variance homogeneity, while the Kruskal-Wallis test (H = 2.000, p = 0.36788) found no significant differences in abundance across tree species, despite S. caseolaris hosting 85% of fireflies. A moderate but non-significant correlation (ρ = 0.71, p = 0.11) suggests additional ecological stressors influence firefly movement. These findings underscore the importance of tree health, habitat stability, and ecological balance in firefly aggregation. Conservation strategies should prioritise mangrove health, habitat connectivity, and environmental stability to ensure the long-term sustainability of P. tener populations in mangrove ecosystems.

Exploration of secondary metabolite profile in the n-hexane fraction of Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina, and Sonneratia alba

Indonesia is a maritime and archipelagic country with an ocean area of almost two-thirds of its total area, with a coastline stretching 99.123 km from Sabang to Merauke. According to Indonesian Law Number 1 of 2014, it is mentioned that one of the most important biological resources of the coast is mangroves. Some mangrove species commonly found on Lombok Island are Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, and Avicennia marina. However, there has not been much exploration of the compound content in these mangroves. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the secondary metabolites of the n-hexane fraction of the three mangrove species using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The leaves of each mangrove species were extracted by sonication method using 96% ethanol solvent, followed by multistage fractionation using n-hexane and water. GC-MS analyzed the n-hexane fraction of each mangrove species. The GC-MS analysis revealed that in the n-hexane fraction of mangrove leaves Rhizophora mucronata and Avicennia marina there were 10 compounds, while Sonneratia alba obtained five compounds. The compounds with the highest intensity in the n-hexane fraction of mangrove leaves of Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, and Avicennia marina were squalene (41.71%), ethyl oleate (87.53%), and ethyl oleate (44.02%), respectively. Squalene was reported to have antioxidant and anticancer activities. The ethyl oleate was reported to have bactericidal activity on gram-positive and negative bacteria. The three types of mangrove leaves can be an alternative source of medicine

Tingkat Herbivori Daun Mangrove Di Desa Bedono, Sayung, Demak, Jawa Tengah

Bentuk aktivitas herbivori merupakan kegiatan memakan daun mangrove oleh fauna (herbivor) yang berada di dahan pohon secara langsung. Mengetahui aktivitas herbivori pada daun mangrove sangatlah penting karena merupakan indikator kesehatan dan kualitas pada ekosistem mangrove. Pemangsaan yang dilakukan oleh herbivor akan mempengaruhi perubahan keseimbangan karbohidrat yang dihasilkan dan melemahnya struktur fisik pada tumbuhan. Oleh karena itu, penting diketahui tingkat herbivori pada tumbuhan mangrove untuk melihat tingkat kesehatan ekosistem mangrove. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu menganalisis tingkat herbivori daun mangrove Avicennia marina dan Rhizophora mucronata pada ekosistem mangrove di Desa Bedono, Kecamatan Sayung, Kabupaten Demak. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Januari 2023. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode purposive sampling. Metode penentuan lokasi ini dilakukan berdasarkan pertimbangan kondisi mangrove yang ada di lapangan yaitu pada lokasi yang banyak terdapat kerusakan dan letaknya lebih mudah dijangkau. Sampel daun spesies Avicennia marina dan Rhizophora mucronata diambil berdasakan tiga kategori ketinggian berbeda, yaitu <1 m, 1-2 m, dan >2m, masing-masing sebanyak 10 pohon sebagai ulangan. Daun dipisahkan berdasarkan umur daun (muda dan tua) dan kondisi daun (rusak dan utuh). Total daun yang diambil sebanyak 10% dari setiap pohon. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai rata-rata tingkat herbivori pada setiap kategori spesies, umur daun dan tinggi pohon yaitu pada spesies Avicennia marina 6.739% kisaran (0.038-46.202) hingga 32.180% kisaran (14.821-59.066) sedangkan pada spesies Rhizophora mucranata sebesar 5.40% kisaran (0,19-21.57) hingga 10,87% kisaran (0,53 - 43,46). Tingkat herbivori Avicennia marina lebih tinggi daripada Rhizophora mucronata. Rendahnya persentase tingkat herbivori mengidentifikasikan bahwa ekosistem mangrove di Bedono masih tergolong sehat. The form of herbivory activity is the activity of eating mangrove leaves by fauna (herbivores) that are directly on the tree branches. Knowing herbivorous activity in mangrove leaves is very important because it is an indicator of the health and quality of mangrove ecosystems. Predation by herbivores will affect changes in the balance of carbohydrates produced and the weakening of the physical structure of plants. Therefore, it is important to know the level of herbivory in mangrove plants to see the level of health of the mangrove ecosystem. The purpose of this study was to analyze the herbivory level of Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata mangrove leaves in the mangrove ecosystem in Bedono Village, Sayung District, Demak Regency. The research was conducted in January 2023. The method used in this study was a purposive sampling method. This method of determining the location was based on consideration of the condition of the mangroves in the field, namely at locations where there was a lot of damage and where it was easier to reach. Leaf samples of Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata species were taken based on three different height categories, namely <1 m, 1-2 m, and >2 m, with 10 trees each as replicates. Leaves are separated based on leaf age (young and old) and leaf condition (damaged and intact). The total leaves taken were 10% from each tree. The results showed that the average value of herbivory in each species category, leaf age and tree height was for Avicennia marina species 6.739% range (0.038-46.202) to 32.180% range (14.821-59.066) while for Rhizophora mucranata species it was 5.40% range (0.19-21.57) to 10.87% range (0.53 - 43.46). Avicennia marina herbivory level is higher than Rhizophora mucronata. The low percentage of herbivory indicates that the mangrove ecosystem in Bedono is still relatively healthy.

Literature Review: Extraction Methods and Antioxidant Activity of Rhizophora mucronata Leaves

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules and can trigger various degenerative diseases, so prevention efforts are needed through effective antioxidants. This study aims to review and analyze the extraction method of R. mucronata leaves in increasing antioxidant activity against DPPH free radicals. This study was conducted through a literature review of experimental research articles obtained from Google Scholar and PubMed databases using specific keywords, covering national and international publications for the period 2015-2025. The obtained articles were analyzed based on the extraction technique, solvent type, and IC₅₀ value reported in the article. The analysis showed that cold extraction methods, especially multi-step maceration with methanol solvent, can produce R. mucronata leaf extracts with very strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 0.04 ppm. The conclusion of this study confirms that extraction technique and solvent selection can affect the antioxidant activity of R. mucronata leaves. These findings support the need for optimization of extraction methods to maximize antioxidant effectiveness in the development of natural antioxidants.

Analisis pemanfaatan buah mangrove Rhizophora mucronata dalam mendukung wisata mangrove masyarakat Kampung Mandar Kabupaten Banyuwangi

Pemanfaatan buah mangrove untuk menghasilkan nilai ekonomi bagi mansyarakat diharapkan mendukung kegiatan pelestarian ekosistem mangrove. Salah satu pemanfaatan dari buah mangrove di Kampung Mandar Banyuwangi adalah menjadi tepung. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis kandungan proksimat tepung mangrove Rhizophora mucronata, dan menganalisis profit usaha olahan tepung mangrove menjadi kue kering. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah uji kandungan proksimat (protein, lemak, air, abu, dan karbohidrat) dan analisis profitabilitas dengan mempertimbangkan harga pokok penjualan (HPP). Tepung mangrove yang dihasilkan Poklahsar “Mina UPA Karya” berbahan baku buah Rhizophora mucronate. Proses produksi yang dibutuhkan untuk menghasilkan tepung mangrove selama 7 hari. Kandungan proksimat tepung mangrove yang sesuai standar SNI adalah kadar air dan kandar karbohidrat, sedangkan kadar protein, kadar lemak dan kadar abu sedikit kelebihan atau kekurangan dari syarat SNI. Tepung mangrove digunakan sebagai campuran kue kering, yang terdiri dari: nastar, kastengel, kukis, coklat almond, mawar, sumprit selai, sumprit coklat, kue kacang, dan brownies krispi. Produk olahan tepung mangrove menjadi kue kering menghasilkan nilai margin profit sebesar 9,16% dari nilai HPP. Nilai R/C, BEPs, BEPq, profit, dan rentabilitas dari usaha olahan berbasis tepung mangrove dapat dinyatakan menguntungkan karena menghasilkan nilai diatas standar dari kriteria profitabilitas.

Adaptive Leaf Structure and Anatomy in Rhizophora mucronata Lam.: The Effects of Salinity and Pollution on Foliar Characteristics

Mangroves are the only woody, facultative halophytes that grow at the ecotone between land and sea. Effective stress management is crucial for mangrove plant survival in the saline environment, leading to distinctive adaptations among species. The study aimed to examine the variation in leaf lamina characteristics of Rhizophora mucronata Lam., focusing on its saline thriving and the impact of water pollution and salinity on the foliar characteristics of species at selected sites in northern Kerala districts. R. mucronata plants with similar heights and diameters were chosen from each study site, and their mature leaves from the third node were taken away for foliar examination. The laminar characteristics of R. mucronata vary spatially and are influenced by salinity and water quality. Significant foliar modifications such as low density of stomata, thick waxy cuticles, corky warts, thick water storage tissue/ hypodermis, and thick lamina were developed by R. mucronata to adapt to the high saline and polluted environment. Water analysis revealed that the conserved sites are less polluted than others. Water quality parameters like turbidity, NTU, colour, Hazen, total Coliforms, CFU/100ml, and total dissolved solids (TDS), mg/l were lower at the conserved sites. Compared to less polluted and conserved sites, R. mucronata distributed in more saline and polluted sites exhibit low leaf chlorophyll content in mg/g tissue, which indicates high salinity and water pollution impact the photosynthesis and productivity of Rhizophora. Therefore, immediate conservation measures must be implemented to conserve these polluted mangrove habitats.

High-Resolution UAV-Based Mapping and Species Identification of Mangroves in Pasar Banggi, Rembang, Central Java

Abstract This research examines the use of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) with a resolution of 4 cm/pixel for the precise identification of mangrove species in the Pasar Banggi and Tireman regions of Rembang, Central Java, covering an area of 36.2 hectares. Utilising high-resolution aerial imagery and Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA), six mangrove species were identified: Avicennia marina (6.26 ha), Excoecaria agallocha (2.09 ha), Rhizophora apiculata (12.3 ha), Rhizophora mucronata (8.56 ha), Rhizophora stylosa (2.79 ha), Sonneratia (0.0068 ha), and water bodies (4.2 ha). The study attained a Cohen’s Kappa accuracy of 0.8450, signifying near-perfect concordance (>0.8) in species identification. This research fills a void in localized mangrove monitoring by offering species-specific mapping, in contrast to other large-scale studies that lacked this level of specificity. The utilisation of UAVs and advanced image processing demonstrates the efficacy of remote sensing for environmental surveillance, offering a scalable and time-efficient alternative to traditional field surveys. The results underscore the capability of UAVs to improve localized conservation initiatives and optimize mangrove management approaches.

The Effects of Mangrove Ecosystem on Mud Crabs (Scylla serrata) in East Lombok, Indonesia

Mangrove ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting the survival and growth of mud crabs (Scylla serrata) by providing shelter, breeding grounds, and food sources. This study aims to analyze the relationship between mangrove diversity and density with the population dynamics of S. serrata in East Lombok, Indonesia. The research was conducted across three study sites: Jerowaru, Seruni Mumbul, and Sugian, using purposive sampling to determine mangrove and crab distribution. Data were collected through vegetation analysis and crab sampling using line transects and quadrat plots. The findings indicate that Jerowaru has the highest mangrove density, reaching 1,233 plants/ha, dominated by Rhizophora mucronata (800 plants/ha). Seruni Mumbul has the highest species diversity, with nine species recorded, while Sugian, despite experiencing degradation, still supports significant S. serrata populations with a total density of 42 individuals/100m². Correspondence Analysis (CA) reveals that juvenile crabs are more associated with Avicennia officinalis at low density (<10 plants), Sonneratia alba at medium density (10–15 plants), and Rhizophora mucronata at high density (>15 plants). Meanwhile, adult S. serrata are strongly linked to high-density Rhizophora mucronata and Sonneratia alba (>15 plants).

Mangrove Vegetation Analysis and Zonation in Cemara Beach, Banyuwangi

Cemara Beach in Banyuwangi Regency has a unique mangrove ecosystem with a river flow that limits the tidal area with the land behind it. This study aims to determine the structure and composition of mangroves in Cemara Beach and its zoning. The method used is a vegetation survey with a transect plot. Data were analyzed using ecological indices and zoning illustrated from the results of vegetation surveys and observations. The results show that the Casuarina equisetifolia species has the highest important value index (IVI) in tree-level vegetation with an IVI value of 128.29%, while the highest IVI at the sapling level is owned by the Rhizophora mucronata species of 86.72% and the Acanthus ilicifolius species of 64.41% at the seedling level. The species diversity index (H') and dominance index (D) of mangroves in Cemara Beach are classified as moderate with average values ​​of 1.21 and 0.35. Then the species evenness index (E) of mangroves in Cemara Beach is included in the high category with an average E value approaching one at 0.78, while the species richness index (R) is classified as very low with an average value of 0.93. The zoning formed in mangrove vegetation in Cemara Beach is in sequence from sea to land, namely Casuarina equisetifolia, Rhizophora mucronata, Acanthus ilicifolius, Avicennia alba, Sonneratia alba, and Excoecaria agallocha. These findings suggest the need for targeted conservation and rehabilitation strategies that consider the natural zonation and dominance patterns of mangrove species to maintain the ecological balance of Cemara Beach.

Performance and Emission Characteristics of an Engine Fueled with Mangrove Bioethanol–Gasoline Blends

Alternative fuels are a primary solution to address fuel scarcity and the adverse effects of fossil fuels, such as air pollution. Bioethanol is notable for its simple production process and the use of flexible raw materials, although it is often derived from crops used in food production. Mangrove bioethanol, however, is produced from Rhizophora mucronata mangrove fruit, which is abundant, rich in carbohydrates, and not part of the human food chain. This study aimed to evaluate the use of mangrove bioethanol as a biofuel on engine performance and emission reduction in gasoline engines. Laboratory-based experiments were conducted using mangrove bioethanol blends at concentrations of 5% (GE5) and 10% (GE10). Pure gasoline (G100) served as the baseline for comparison. The results showed that GE10 delivered better engine performance and lower emissions than both G100 and GE5, likely due to its high octane rating and oxygen content. Performance improvements with GE10 included increases of 7.89% in brake torque (BT) and brake power (BP), 47.55% in brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and 20.33% in exhaust gas temperature (EGT), along with a 98% reduction in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). In terms of emissions, GE10 led to reductions in carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions by 43.56% and 36.54%, respectively, while carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions increased by 59.42%.

Carbon Stock in Sediments of Mangrove Ecosystems in Pangkalan Jambi Village, Bengkalis Regency

The study on carbon reserves in sediment within Pangkalan Jambi Village, Bengkalis Regency's mangrove ecosystem, was conducted from June to 2024. This research aimed to analyze carbon reserves in the sediment of the mangrove ecosystem in Pangkalan Jambi Village, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province. The study employed field survey methods and laboratory analyses, focusing on three stations with varying mangrove densities. Results revealed nine mangrove species, dominated by Rhizophora mucronata. The average mangrove density was 2,611 individuals/ha, with a carbon reserve of 43.25 tons/ha across all stations. The study found a positive correlation (r = 0.528) between mangrove density and carbon reserves, explaining 27.98% of the total variation. Furthermore, carbon reserves showed no significant differences across sediment depths. These findings emphasize the importance of mangrove conservation for carbon storage, contributing to climate change mitigation. Further biomass and species-specific carbon storage research is recommended to optimize mangrove management strategies.

Kandungan Nitrogen (N) dan Fosfor (P) Pada Sedimen Mangrove Di Taman Hutan Raya Bali

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui kandungan nitrogen (N), kandungan fosfor (P), kerapatan jenis, serta keanekaragaman mangrove di Taman Hutan Raya Bali. Pada penelitian terdapat 3 stasiun dan masing-masing terdapat 3 plot di setiap stasiun. Mengunakan metode purposive sampling pada tiap stasiun. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukan ditemukan sebanyak 4 jenis yaitu: Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, dan Sonneratia alba dengan jumlah spesies yang paling banyak yaitu Soneratia alba dengan jumlah 210 individu dan jumlah yang paling sedikit ialah Bruguiera gymnorrhiza dengan jumlah 23 individu. Nilai kadar kandungan nitrogen terbesar berada pada stasiun I plot ke-3 sebesar 0,39% dan nilai kadar kandungan nitrogen terkecil berada pada pada stasiun III plot ke-3 sebesar 0,03%. Serta nilai kadar kandungan fosfor terbesar berada pada stasiun I plot ke-1 sebesar 81,08 ppm dan nilai kadar kandungan fosfor terkecil berada pada pada Stasiun II plot ke-2 sebesar 4,51 ppm. Nilai kerapatan mangrove termasuk kriteria sangat rapat dengan nilai antara 3133- 5067 (pohon/ha). dengan nilai keanekaragaman sebesar 0,86 dengan kategori keanekaragaman rendah, keseragaman 0,77 dengak kategori keseragaman tinggi, dan dominansi 0,74 yang menandakan terdapat dominansi. Parameter lingkungan rata rata seperti suhu sekitar 29,55℃, sedangkan nilai rata rata dari salinitas adalah 30,06 ppt dan pH rata-rata adalah 5,98.

Diversity of fungal species and decomposition of Rhizophora mucronata leaf litter in the Deli Belawan River Estuary, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Yunasfi, Lubis SR, Utomo B, Dalimunthe A, Sihotang VM, Sembiring S, Sitepu GA, Purba JGM, Silalahi R, Susetya IE, Fadhilah A, Noer Z. 2025. Diversity of fungal species and decomposition of Rhizophora mucronata leaf litter in the Deli Belawan River Estuary, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 1631-1640. Rhizophora mucronata is one of the most widely known mangrove species, growing in coastal areas, such as along river estuaries, deltas, and lagoons. This species produces leaf litter that is useful for organisms living in mangrove water after decomposition. The decomposition of R. mucronata leaf litter is often affected by the presence of salinity in seawater including other environmental factors such as pH, humidity, rainfall, temperature, and river current speed. Fungi played an important role in the process of litter decomposition by facilitating the degradation of organic compounds such as cellulose and lignin which are components of leaf cell walls. The aim of this study was to determine the fungal species diversity and decomposition of R. mucronata leaf litter at salinity levels of 0-10 ppt in the Belawan Deli River. The study used 24 bags of 40 × 30 cm litter bags. Fungal isolation was carried out using the dilution method to calculate the number of fungal colonies in R. mucronata leaf litter. Furthermore, the analysis of carbohydrate and protein contents in R. mucronata leaf litter was carried out using the semi-micro method (01-2891-1992 SNI). The results of isolation showed that species of fungi were associated with R. mucronata leaf litter, namely Aspergillus sp.1, Aspergillus sp. 2, Aspergillus sp. 3, Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp. The decomposition rate of R. mucronata leaf litter was 0.018/year. The average percentage of total carbohydrates and proteins was 9.33 and 5.54%, respectively. Based on the outcomes found in this research, the author suggested to conduct research on R. mucronata leaf litter at salinity levels of 11-20 ppt and 21-30 ppt to further observe the diversity of fungal species.

Mangrove forests as a natural trap for marine plastic litter: Insights from the Maldives.

Mangrove forests as a natural trap for marine plastic litter: Insights from the Maldives.

Estimation of blue carbon potential in the mangrove ecosystem of Pulau Telaga Tujuh, Langsa Barat District, for climate change mitigation

Abstract This research focuses on the role of mangrove ecosystems in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. The study is centered on the mangrove forest on Telaga Tujuh Island, Langsa Barat District, which features natural and undisturbed vegetation. The objective is to identify tree species and to calculate biomass and carbon stock both above and below ground. The research will be conducted from May 2024 until completion, using purposive sampling for plot placement. A total of 8 circular plots with a radius of 11.3 m was be used for tree sampling. Parameters measured include tree diameter, aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, carbon stock per hectare, the potential of vegetation to absorb CO2 emissions, and the potential of vegetation to produce O2. The results indicate that the mangrove trees in the Telaga Tujuh Mangrove Forest, Langsa Barat District, consist of 221 black mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) trees and 34 red mangrove (Rhizophora apiculata) trees. The black mangrove trees most frequently fall within the diameter range of 10-20cm, with the fewest in the 41-50cm range, totaling 134 and 5 individuals, respectively. The red mangrove trees are most abundant in the 10-20cm diameter range and least in the 21-30cm range, with totals of 24 and 10 individuals, respectively. The total biomass, carbon stock, CO2 sequestration, and O2 equivalent across the 8 observation plots are 4,184.24 ton/ha, 2,020.60 ton C/ha, 7,210.85 ton CO2/ha, and 5,244.27 ton/ha, respectively.