Relevance of mangroves for the production and deposition of organic matter along tropical continental margins

Abstract

Mangroves are highly complex ecosystems occupying a major part of tropical coastlines. High primary productivity, efficient biological nutrient recyling and a permanent exchange with terrestrial and marine ecosystems are their common features. Despite the high production and export rates of leaf litter, mangrove detritus has been reported to be of minor importance in sustaining marine food webs. The geographical distribution of mangrove-derived organic matter (OM) in marine sediments is found to be restricted to the vicinity of its source. Dissolved nutrient inputs from mangroves and rivers may fuel the production of marine OM. In this paper we assess the relevance of mangroves for the production and sedimentation of OM in the tropical coastal ocean based on data available from the literature and our own research results. We estimate the rates of carbon accumulation in mangrove sediments and of carbon export to the coastal seas. From the rates of litter fall and export we calculate carbon accumulating in mangrove sediments to be in the order of 23x10(12) g C per year and mangrove carbon introduced into the coastal ocean to be in the order of 46x10(12) g C per year. They account for about 11% of the total input of terrestrial carbon into the ocean and 15% of the total carbon accumulating in modern marine sediments.

Spatial and temporal variation of the nutrients in the sediment and leaves of two Brazilian mangrove species and their role in the retention of environmental heavy metals

“…Mangroves are among the most productive ecosystems in the world (Kathiresan and Bingham, 2001;Alongi, 2009) and approximately 50% of the primary productivity of this ecosystem is exported to the oceans in the form of organic matter Dittmar and Lara, 2001;Jennerjahn and Ittekkot, 2002). The exportation of organic matter and dissolved nutrients from mangroves is important for the productivity of coastal waters because it has a known effect in food chains (Lugo and Snedaker, 1974;Alongi, 1990;Jennerjahn and Ittekkot, 2002;Dittmar et al, 2006).…”

Streptomyces xiamenensis sp. nov., isolated from mangrove sediment

“…These highly productive ecosystems are home to a diverse flora and fauna of marine, freshwater and terrestrial species (Jennerjahn & Ittekkot, 2002). In contrast to the well-documented species diversity of larger animals and plants in these ecosystems, the microbial community diversity of mangrove forests has been poorly studied.…”

Estimation of Mangrove Carbon Stock With Hybrid Method Using Image Sentinel-2

“…Mangroves could absorb carbon better than terrestrial ecosystems because of its ability to bury carbon in sediments [1]; Estimation of mangrove biomass by field survey combined with remote sensing data was an ideal and practical method [2]. The assessment of carbon stocks with remote sensing was expected to reduce destructive ways or mangrove destruction.…”