Eco-physiological Responses of Avicennia germinans and Rhizophora racemosa to Climate Variability and Anthropogenic Stress in Benin

ORCID

Abstract

This study evaluated the eco-physiological responses of Avicennia germinans and Rhizophora racemosa to climate variability and anthropogenic stress in the mangroves of Ouidah, Benin. Climate data from 2001 to 2019 were analyzed using the Standardized Precipitation Index. Interstitial water chemistry was assessed through ion chromatography, and forest structure, monthly litterfall, and reproductive organ production were measured during 2018–2019. Relationships among climatic, physicochemical, and physiological variables were examined using factorial ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and Weibull diameter class distribution. The most intense drought occurred in 2018 (SPI = –1.50), with significant increases in salinity (16.44 ± 1.43 PSU; F1,34 = 13.98; p < 0.0001), ammonium, and sulfate. Nitrate, sulfate, and nitrite levels varied significantly by season and by season–year interaction. The R. racemosa site recorded the highest concentrations of nitrite (0.96 ± 0.36 mg L−¹) and nitrate (0.63 ± 0.80 mg L−¹) in 2018. Litterfall was highest in 2019, particularly for R. racemosa, while flowers and stipules were more abundant in 2018. Propagule and branch production followed a seasonal pattern. In A. germinans, leaf productivity was negatively correlated with sulfate (r = –0.56; p = 0.03), while in R. racemosa, flowers and stipules were positively correlated with salinity (r = 0.44; p < 0.05) and sulfate (r = 0.88; p < 0.001). These results reveal contrasting ecophysiological strategies between species, emphasizing the need for restoration efforts tailored to species-specific traits and local environmental conditions.

Publication Date

2026-07-10

Publication Title

Slow-Onset Hazards Issue, Challenges, and Risk Reduction Strategies

Publisher

Routledge

ISBN

9781003621447

Deposit Date

2026-08-06

Embargo Period

2027-07-10

This document is currently not available here.

This item is under embargo until 10 July 2027

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