Growth and Estimation of Potential Carbon Absorption by Transplantation Branching Coral Reefs on Mahitam and Pahawang Islands of Pesawaran Regency, Lampung Province

This study aims to determine the growth and survival and carbon uptake of transplanted coral reefs in Mahitam and Pahawang Islands. Mahitam Island transplants were carried out using iron media and Pahawang Island using concrete media. Growth and survival measurements for 24 months were carried out 3 times from the start of planting. In addition, measurements of water quality were also carried out at that location. The amount of carbon in coral reefs was measured using spectrophotometry, where samples of coral reefs were dried first then mashed and dissolved using a solution of H₂SO₄ and K₂Cr₂O₇ 1N. The results showed that the branching coral transplanted for 24 months had an average growth of 17.21 cm on Mahitam Island and 19.97 cm on Pahawang Island. The coral survival was higher on Mahitam Island compared to Pahawang Island with a percentage of 92.14 % and 88.24 %. The organic carbon (C) content of the transplanted coral reefs on Mahitam Island was 1.11 % and on Pahawang Island was 1.01 %. In conclusion, the transplanting of branched coral reefs at Mahitam and Pahawang Islands was said to be successful with high growth and viability. As well as the transplanted coral reefs at the research location can store carbon (C).