Estimation of carbon stocks in mangrove sediments in Ruyung Village, Mesjid Raya District, Aceh Besar Regency

Abstract

Exploration related to blue carbon has increased recently. As one of the blue carbon ecosystems, the mangrove ecosystem is one of the coastal ecosystems that can absorb and store carbon. This research aims to calculate mangrove density and estimate carbon stocks in sediments in the mangrove ecosystem in Ruyung Village, Mesjid Raya District, Aceh Besar Regency. Mangrove density was calculated at three stations within 10 x 10 m transects. Sediment samples were also taken compositely, and carbon analysis was carried out in the sediment using the LOI (loss on ignition) method. There were two species of mangroves found at the research location, namely Rhizophora apiculata and Avicennia officionalis. The research results show that the average mangrove density at the research location is 0.20 ind/m2. The average soil density and sediment carbon stock at all research stations is 1.24 g/cm3 and 271.66 MgC/ha respectively. The mangrove ecosystem, both biomass and surrounding sediment, can store carbon, which is one of the ways to mitigate global warming.