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Lateral fluxes of organic carbon in a mangrove forest partly contaminated with sewage wastes

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Mangroves and Salt Marshes

Abstract

Lateral fluxes of macrodetritus, particulate matter and dissolved organic carbon were determined. Samples were collected monthly at the mangrove forest–inshore water boundary and within the forest. Floating macrodetritus (mainly mangrove leaves) was collected by a net (2 mm mesh size). Dissolved and particulate matter were separated by filtration (0.45 μm filter) and centrifugation. Dissolved and particulate carbon were determined by a total organic carbon analyser (SHIMADZU model TOC‐5000). There was a significant export of mangrove litter to the adjacent marine environment during spring tides. Rates of import and export of particulate matter in the forest were not statistically different. Trans‐location of material within the forest was clearly demonstrated. A relatively high export of macrodetritus was recorded at the marine fringe (mainly colonised by Sonneratia alba). There was low export of litter in the terrestrial fringe zone, a mono‐specific stand occupied by Avicennia marina (Forsk) Vierh. Net organic carbon export from the entire forest was 79 × 106g C y−1, dissolved organic carbon accounted for about 78% of the total export.

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  1. Department of Zoology and Marine Biology, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

    John F. Machiwa

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Machiwa, J.F. Lateral fluxes of organic carbon in a mangrove forest partly contaminated with sewage wastes. Mangroves and Salt Marshes 3, 95–104 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009979204212

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