Problem statement:Mangrove forest is a component of wetlands that has been recognized as one of the most productive ecosystem in the tropic. Rapid development and other land uses in the mangrove areas over the years had negatively affected the ecological functions and its ecosystem. Study was carried out on river water quality at Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary, Miri based on the physicochemical properties. The water quality status of river water at Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary Mangrove Forest, Miri Sarawak is under category class II or good water quality status. All water quality parameters in this study are found to be in class I and II (good water quality) except for the BOD and DO which indicate fairer and moderate river water quality status.

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Problem statement: The conversion of forest land into oil palm plantation is considered to be one of the causes of soil degradation and loss of tropical land forest in Southeast Asia. The objective of this study was to compare selected peat soil physical properties of secondary tropical peat swamp forest and oil palm plantation to determine the effect of forest conversion. Approach: Peat soil samples were collected from secondary tropical peat swamp forest and oil palm plantation at Batang Igan, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Experimental plots of 300 m³ were set up in both sites and thirty peat soil samples were collected randomly in both sites at 0-15 cm depth using a peat auger. Undisturbed cores and bulk samples were collected for analysis of bulk density and moisture content. Fiber content of the total mass of organic materials was determined by wet sieving method. Soil bulk density, moisture content, organic matter, mineral content, soil porosity and particle density were determined by standard procedures. Hydraulic conductivity was measured in the field using Model 2800K1 Guelph Permeameter and soil strength was determined using Hand Operated Cone Penetrometer Eijkelkemp. Unpaired T-test was used to compare the variables of the two sites. Results: Both sites had similar degree of decomposition classified as hemic peat. No significant differences in fiber content, moisture content and particle density. Bulk density, mineral content and soil strength were significantly higher in the oil palm plantation while organic matter content, porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity were significantly higher in the secondary tropical peat swamp forest. Conclusion: Conversion of secondary tropical peat swamp forest to oil palm plantation has significantly increased soil bulk density, mineral content and soil strength but significantly decreased organic matter content, porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity. However, degree of decomposition, fiber content, moisture content and particle density were not affected by the conversion

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Multi-elemental and isotopic fingerprints could help to track changes in mangrove forest productivity and development. This study aims to identify elemental concentrations and stable isotope ratios in inter- and intra-mangrove species along the inundation gradient of the Matang mangrove forest. Matured sun leaves of different mangrove species, namely, Avicennia alba, Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera parviflora, and Sonneratia ovata, were collected from the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (MMFR). After samples preparation, determination of elemental concentrations and stable isotope ratios were carried out using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) respectively. Trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn), cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) ratios were found to follow different patterns along the inundation gradient in the leaves of the sampled plant species. Elemental concentrations of Na, K, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn along with stable istopic ratio differed significantly within similar and different mangrove species. The results of Rhizophora apiculata elemental concentrations and stable isotope ratios can potentially serve as a baseline to further the research in the MMFR compartments.