Sukanda Lekphet, Suwanchai Nitisoravut, and Suwannee Adsavakulchai

pp. 153 - 163

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate methane emissions from the mangrove area of Ranong Province and
to explore the factors affecting the emissions, as part of an attempt to evaluate methane contribution to the
global methane budget. Methane was measured by using a closed chamber technique and analyzed by a gas
chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID). The results showed that the annual estimated
methane emission was released at approximately 157.32 mg/m². The amount of methane emission from this
mangrove area was lower than in other previously studied areas. Emission rates varied seasonally with
the highest rate in the rainy season followed by summer and cold seasons, during which the values were 0.52,
0.27, and 0.19 mg/m²/day, respectively. Seasonal variations of methane emission was related to several factors
depending upon field conditions such as water conductivity, soil temperature, and water level.