Abstract:

Using a static chamber technique, methane fluxes from sediments of five mangrove communities at four sites were studied. An average value of 0.81mg·m-2·d-1 was observed. Using polyethylene bags, methane fluxes through leaves of six mangrove species were also studied. It indicates that mangrove leaves generally absorbed atmospheric methane as an overall effect. Diurnal variations of methane fluxes from sediments of Bruguiera sexangula community at Changning site were related to tidal conditions in the forest while flat variations of methane fluxes from sediments of this community were related to soil water contents. There were two different seasonal patterns of methane flux from soils in the five mangrove communities.

Key words: Hainan Island, Mangrove, Methane flux