Nitrate and Phosphate Content in Mangrove Leaf Litter of Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba in Passo Village, Ambon Bay, Indonesia

Et Al., Pello

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.437644

Nitrate and Phosphate Content in Mangrove Leaf Litter of Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba in Passo Village, Ambon Bay, Indonesia

Author

Pello et al.

10.21608/ejabf.2025.437644

Abstract

The mangrove ecosystem plays a crucial role in the coastal nutrient cycle, particularly through litter production and decomposition. This study aimed to analyze nitrate and phosphate content in the litter of Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba in Negeri Passo, Ambon Bay. Sampling was conducted at three stations over three periods using 1 × 1m litter traps. Physicochemical parameters of the water were measured in situ, while nutrient analysis was performed in the laboratory. The results showed that litter production of R. apiculata ranged from 1.98 to 2.75 g/m²/day, which was higher than S. alba, ranging from 2.36 to 2.67 g/m²/day. Leaf fractions were the dominant component, contributing 1.52–2.07 g/m²/day in R. apiculata and 1.70–1.87 g/m²/day in S. alba. The nitrate content in R. apiculata litter ranged from 0.2159 to 0.5367 mg/L, while S. alba exhibited higher values, ranging from 0.2207 to 0.6468 mg/L. A similar pattern was observed for phosphate content, with R. apiculata ranging from 0.2159 to 0.5367 mg/L and S. alba from 0.2207 to 0.6468 mg/L. The release of nitrate and phosphate from litter contributes to the primary productivity of coastal ecosystems; however, excessive accumulation may lead to eutrophication. Therefore, monitoring nutrient dynamics is essential for the sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems.

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