Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025

Visualizing Methane-Cycling Microbial Dynamics in Coastal Wetlands
Published on: January 31, 2025
Sediment carbon sequestration and sources in peri-urban tidal flats and adjacent wetlands in a megacity
Zhao Liang Chen1, Shing Yip Lee1
1Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
We investigated the sediment carbon (C) stocks, sequestration and sources in tidal flats and their adjacent mangroves in two coastal wetlands in Hong Kong (the Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR) and Ting Kok (TK)), part of a megacity of ∼20 million. At both locations, the C stock of tidal flats was lower than that of mangroves. In MPNR, tidal flats indicated a higher C burial rate (75.2 g C m-2 yr-1) compared to mangroves (64.3 g C m-2 yr-1). The C of tidal flats mainly originated from mangroves and riverine sources, while those in deeper sediments (below 60 cm) in the mangroves originated from the tidal flats. In TK, the C of tidal flats was dominated by oceanic sources. Our study indicates that tidal flats are also important in coastal C sequestration. On highly urbanized coasts, tidal flats and their connected mangroves can play a critical role for C mitigation.
Related Concept Videos
Bioremediation
The Carbon Cycle
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

