Changes in the caloricity and protein content of mangrove leaves during decomposition in freshwater condition

Decomposition of mangrove leaves in freshwater was studied for 4 weeks. The calorific values of Avicennia marina and A. officinalis have showed steady increment up to the end of the fourth week and a steady decline from there after could be recorded in the ensuing weeks. Similar phenomenon was appare nt in the protein of both the leaves also. Both the caloricity and protein content of Avicennia marina always remained higher than that of A. officina lis. Highly significant positive correlation was observed between the calor icity and period of decomposition and between protein content and caloricit y of decomposed leaves. Present study revealed that both the leaves attaine d highest caloricity and protein content in a shorter span of time than tha t in brackishwater.