ORGANIC CARBON STORAGE IN SEDIMENT AT THE COASTAL AREA IN OSAKA BAY

Abstract

 The purpose of this study was to estimate of carbon storage in sediments at tidal flat, salt marsh and seagrass bed in the coastal area of Osaka Bay. The characteristics of the sediments varied with depth at each site. The carbon storage in sediment at a depth of 1 m was estimated to be 36-117 tonC/ha, with the highest carbon storage on the Yodo River tidal flat. The presence of vegetation with sediments promoted the sedimentation and deposition of particles, which resulted in carbon storage. It suggested that carbon storage by sediments occurs in addition to carbon storage by vegetation itself. This study was able to estimate carbon storage at a depth of 1 m for sediments in the study areas in the coastal area of Osaka Bay, which has different environments.