Wood chemistry and density: An analog for response to the change of carbon sequestration in mangroves

This study aimed to resolve the variations of physical and chemical properties of wood records measured in different mangroves with their annual carbon sequestration. The methods of investigation used were to examine growth rate by monitoring breast height diameter, wood chemistry and density, FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Carbon sequestration rate showing an increase with density varied between 0.088 and 0.171 μg C kg−1 AGB s−1, and Avicennia marina showed the maximum value and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, the minimum. The changes in FTIR bands at 4000–2500 cm−1 and 1700–800 cm−1 were correlated to the variations in cellulose in mangrove woods and lignin to cellulose ratio ranged between 0.21 and 1.75. Thermal analyses of mangrove wood suggested that the fuel value index (985–3922) exhibited an increase with the decrease in maximum decomposition temperature and density. The seasonal variation of temperature and CO2 were likely to affect chemical properties through changes in wood density.