Bahrain’s mangroves could fuel a greener future for the kingdom, as a clean, local source of bioenergy, according to a recently published study.
This is amongst the key findings of the ‘Non-oxidative thermal decomposition and thermo-kinetics study of mangrove biomass for bioenergy production’, published in the peer-reviewed open-access academic journal Next Energy.
The research was conducted by Bahrain University scientists S M Zakir Hossain, Mohamed Bin Shams, Almaha Alfaihani, Muneera Alkowari, Tefla Alromaihi and Humood Abdulla Ahmed Naser, as well as King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals academics including Gus Ali Nur Rahman, Wasim Ullah Khan, Mohammad Mozahar Hossain and Shaikh Abdur Razzak.
“The primary objectives of this study are to examine the physical, chemical and non-oxidative thermal characterisation of mangrove (species: Avicennia marina) biomass, explicitly focusing on both natural and replanted mangrove stands along Bahrain’s coastal region,” the authors wrote in the study.
“This article promotes the UN’s sustainable development goals by highlighting the potential of mangrove biomass as a catalyst for the sustainable development of energy, precious materials and climate change.”
The study focused on how biomass from gray mangroves including their leaves, stems and roots, respond to high heat in the absence of oxygen – a process known as pyrolysis.
It is measured using Higher Heating Value (HHV) – the total energy released when a substance is burned.
Pyrolysis is commonly used to produce bio-oil, biogas and biochar, which can serve as renewable alternatives to fossil fuels.
The inputs and outputs of the pyrolysis process
The research team collected samples from natural mangrove forests in Ras Sanad and replanted groves in Arad Bay.
Each part of the tree was analysed to determine its moisture content, chemical makeup, and how it breaks down under controlled heating.
One of the key findings was that replanted mangrove stems had a higher energy content than natural ones.
The researchers linked this to differences in soil salinity – Arad Bay’s saltier soil seemed to enhance the carbon content and energy yield of the biomass.
“Higher HHV and carbon content of replanted mangrove stem biomass was noticeable due to higher salinity,” the paper noted.
The study suggests that mangrove forests, especially those that are replanted, could provide a locally available and sustainable source of energy.
They have previously been established as natural climate allies, since they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at two to four times the rate of tropical rainforests, and constitute indispensable components of coastal environments, as vital nurseries for marine life and natural safeguards against shoreline erosion, according to researchers.
This study adds a new layer to their value – energy.
The team emphasised that pyrolysis of mangrove biomass could produce clean fuels without the need for freshwater, fertiliser or arable land – scarce resources in Bahrain.
They also emphasised that their findings support broader climate goals.
Although mangrove-based energy systems have not yet been implemented in Bahrain, the researchers say their work aligns with national strategies.
At the landmark UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in 2021 at Glasgow, UK, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, had stressed the importance of adapting to climate change, when announcing that Bahrain would cut its emissions by 30 per cent by 2035 through decarbonisation and efficiency initiatives.
He also added that mangrove coverage would be quadrupled by 2035, stressing Bahrain’s commitment to global climate goals.
“The utilisation of mangrove biomass for bioenergy production presents a sustainable approach to mitigating climate change while addressing energy demands,” researchers noted.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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