Carbon stock of disturbed and undisturbed mangrove ecosystems in Klang Straits, Malaysia

Ecosystem carbon stocks were compared in three island mangrove forests, subjected to different anthropogenic stresses, close to Port Klang in Selangor State on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Carbon stocks in living biomass, litter, deadwood and soil were quantified, and the carbon isotopic signature in mangrove soils was also measured, to estimate their carbon source. We hypothesize that carbon stock would be more readily available in undisturbed mangroves. The results indicated that, in general, soil organic carbon pool comprised the majority of the ecosystem carbon stock, while dead organic matter made a negligible contribution. The highest ecosystem carbon stock was measured in the permanent undisturbed mangrove reserve on Pulau Klang. Carbon isotope data revealed that disturbed mangroves in Pulau Ketam had a more enriched δ13C signature of soil samples compared to the other two sites. The soil organic carbon in Pulau Ketam was mostly derived from mangrove materials (92.8%). The results suggested that the organic carbon accumulated in the soils was not only regulated by the burial of mangrove-derived organic carbon, but also the site conditions.