Benthic nutrient pools in mangrove forests, Hinchinbrook Island, North Queensland

Four sites (bank, low-, mid- and high-intertidal) were sampled between October 1987 and December 1992. Data was collected for analyses of sediments, roots, porewater, solid-phase nutrients, sediment-water exchange, and timber and prop root tidal exchange.Sediment porosity and mean dry sediment density and redox potential were measured.Root biomass was estimated and the contribution of root-derived C, N, and P to the bulk sediment pools was calculated.Porewater measures of dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations (µM) of: ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, silicate and phosphate. Solid-phase nutrients measures of: total organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations.Sediment-water exchange measured fluxes of silicate, DON, ammonium, phosphate, DOP and ammonium, nitrite and nitrate.Exchange rates between fallen timber and prop roots with tidal water were estimated - wet and dry weights were measured. To examine variations in nutrient fluxes in mangrove associated sediments over a five year period.