Investigating Natural Physical Adsorption of Oil Content by Mangroves, A field-scale study

Mangroves are one of the main important species which have critical function in ecological processes in the coastal habitats. Recent studies have focused on long term effects such as biological and chemical responses and reactions of ecosystems. In this research, short term response of Avicennia marina’s pneumatophores as one of substantial parts of mangroves has been considered while facing the oil slick in tidal waves. Factorial experimental design was conducted considering three factors, each one in two levels in both spring and winter seasons, separately. Experiments were carried out in the north coastline of the Persian Gulf where one of the mentioned species habitat in the Nayband Natural National Park of Iran is located. Experimental evidences on the studied blocks were investigated by experimental analysis, accurately. Results revealed the main effective factors which can raise the damages of oil spill in the mangroves habitat through oil adsorption on the pneumatophores. Investigations showed the concentration level of the main significant factors that can affect the adsorption process. The second significant factor on physical adsorption is retention time, also known as contact time. Tests results indicated that adsorption in winter is generally more than that in spring. No significant effect of day or night time on the physical oil adsorption by pneumatophores was traced.