Stable isotope ratio as a tracer of mangrove carbon in Malaysian ecosystems

Abstract

The ratio of stable carbon isotopes (δC) in plants and animals from Malaysian mangrove swamps, coastal inlets, and offshore waters was determined. Vascular plants of the swamps were isotopically distinct ( x±s.d.=-27.1±1.2‰) from plankton (-21.0±0.3‰) and other algae (-18.7±2.2‰). Animals from the swamps (-20.9±4.1‰) and inlets (-19.8±2.5‰) had a wide range of isotope ratios (-28.6 to-15.4‰), indicating consumption of both mangrove and algal carbon. Several commercially important species of bivalves, shrimp, crabs, and fish obtained carbon from mangrove trees. Mangrove carbon was carried offshore as detritus and was isotopically distinguishable in suspended particulate matter and sediments. Animals collected from 2 to 18 km offshore, however, showed no isotopic evidence of mangrove carbon assimilation, with ratios (-16.5±1.1‰, range-19.1 to-13.1‰) virtually identical to those reported for similar animals from other plankton-based ecosystems. Within groups of animals, isotope ratios reflected intergencric and interspecific differences in feeding and trophic position. In particular, there was a trend to less negative ratios with increasing trophic level.

Food preference of the giant mudskipperPeriophthalmodon schlosseri(Teleostei : Gobiidae)

“…In general, data on δ 13 C and δ 15 N from the present study is comparable to that reported by Rodelli et al (1984). The carbon isotope signature (δ 13 C) of consumers can reveal the relative contribution of a diet as potential primary sources in a trophic network.…”

Mangrove Forest Characterization in Southeast Côte d’Ivoire

“…δ 13 C mangrove were isotopically lighter compared to standards and ranged between −26.09 and −29.08, suggesting a Calvin mechanism (C3) of photosynthesis. These values are comparable to those of the Rhizophora mangroves of Malaysia [36], Sri Lanka [37] and Tanzania [38]. Carbon pools, on per hectare basis were highest in site A, the freshwater stands, while lowest values were in the degraded forests of site B.…”

Dynamics of mangrove community in revegetation area of Karangsong, north coast of Indramayu District, West Java, Indonesia

“…Mangrove ecosystems support essential ecological functions such as intercepting land-derived nutrients, pollutants and suspended matter before these contaminants reach deeper water (Marshall 1994, RiveraMonroy and Twilley 1996, Tam and Wong 1999. Mangroves also perform other important services, such as preventing coastal erosion by stabilizing sediments (Marshall 1994, Tam andWong 1999), furnishing nursery and spawning areas for commercially important coastal fish and shellfish species (Rodelli et al 1984, Sasekumar et al 1992, and providing stopover sites for migratory birds, fish, and mammals (Saenger et al 1983). Any loss of mangrove forest, therefore, means a loss of their important contributions to subsistence uses, and to ecological, economic, and conservation functions (Valiela et al 2001).…”