Changes in the caloricity and protein content of mangrove leaves during decomposition in freshwater condition *

Abstract

Decomposition of mangrove leaves in freshwater was studied for 4 weeks. The calorific values of Avicennia marina and A. officinalis have showed steady increment up to the end of the fourth week and a steady decline from thereafter could be recorded in the ensuing weeks. Similar phenomenon was apparent in the protein of both the leaves also. Both the caloricity and protein content of Avicennia marina always remained higher than that of A. officinalis. Highly significant positive correlation was observed between the caloricity and period of decomposition and between protein content and caloricity of decomposed leaves. Present study revealed that both the leaves attained highest caloricity and protein content in a shorter span of time than that in brackishwater.