Seagrass Carbon Stocks And Sequestration In Habitat Impacted By Tin Mining Activities In Bangka Belitung, Indonesia

Abstract

Seagrass meadows are important blue carbon ecosystems. They are threatened by various anthropogenic activities, including mining, which affect the ecological health. This study investigates the impact of sea-based tin mining activities on the carbon storage capabilities of seagrass meadows in Bangka Belitung, Indonesia. The objective of the study is to quantify carbon stocks and sequestrations in these ecosystems and understand how mining influences these critical natural resources. The research was conducted at various seagrass sites with different levels of mining impacts. Carbon stocks and sequestration were measured using the Loss on Ignition method, and net primary productivity was calculated. Remote sensing data from Landsat 7 and Sentinel-2A satellites were used to monitor changes in seagrass cover over time. Sedimentation rates and total suspended solids were measured to assess environmental impacts. Statistical analysis, including correlation and cluster analysis, examined the relationship between mining activity and seagrass health. The findings indicate a significant decrease in seagrass coverage and carbon storage in areas with high levels of tin mining. Specifically, areas with intensive mining showed higher rates of sedimentation and total suspended solids, which correlated with reduced seagrass biomass and carbon sequestration. This decrease compromises the ecological role of seagrass meadows as effective carbon sinks, highlighting the destructive impact of mining activities on these ecosystems.