Investigating some chemical, physical and mechanical properties of Laguncularia Racemosa (White Mangroves) from Central and Western Regions of Ghana for its efficient utilization

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the physico-mechanical properties of Laguncularia racemosa (white mangroves) in two coastal regions of Ghana, Western and Central Region, for their efficient utilization. Moisture content and basic density along the stem recorded mean values of 30.81 - 37.19% and 31.49 - 35.30% as well as 612.69 – 625.62 Kg/m3 and 595.69 – 635.43 Kg/m3 for Central and Western regions respectively. The mean mechanical property values of trees from the two regions (Central and Western) respectively were: 52.82 – 63.21 Nmm-2 and 51.23 – 56.84 Nmm-2 (MOR), 6827.24- 7711.07 Nmm-2 and 5852.73 – 7157.55 Nmm-2 (MOE) and 27.05 – 30.73 N/mm2 and 24.57 – 28.33 N/mm2 (CPG). The trees from the two regions can be classified as moderately dense wood. The chemical properties commonly showed a fairly low composition in all the parameters analysed, with Western Region generally having higher values. The average values for Central and Western Regions respectively were: 10.59 – 11.27% and 12.65 – 15.62% (lignin), 23.09 – 28.09% and 25.78 – 29.38% (cellulose), 30.72 – 31.52% and 30.52 – 31.56% (organic carbon), 2.39 – 3.26% and 2.62 – 2.94% (ash), 223.41 – 300.32 mg/Kg and 199.55 – 242.66 mg/Kg (nitrogen), 796.64 – 1099.21 mg/Kg and 588.81 – 1035.02 mg/Kg (potassium), 0.01 – 0.02 mg/Kg and 0.02 – 0.04 mg/Kg (phosphorus), 122.29 – 438.57 mg/Kg and 181.98- 475.97 (calcium) and 774.63 - 882.59 mg/Kg and 1024.29 – 1096.83 mg/Kg (sodium). L. racemosa generally showed a comparatively higher values in physical and mechanical properties, and low values in chemical properties. It could be exploited for structural applications and fuel energy source for environmentally safe emissions. The organic carbon, ash and inorganic mineral elements composition of L. racemosa makes it suitable as a biofuel energy source for industrial purposes.