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.
Description:
A thesis in the DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION AND WOOD
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, FACULTY OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION,
submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in
partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Philosophy (Wood
Science and Technology) degree.