Water and Soil Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Farwa Island For Mangrove Cultivation Suitability

Abstract

This study investigates climatic factors and conducts physicochemical analyses of water and soil samples from Farwa Island (Libya), comparing them with mangrove habitats in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf to assess their suitability for mangrove cultivation. The proposed afforestation could mitigate the island’s persistent coastal erosion and area loss Climatic data (temperature, humidity, dew point, wind speed, and precipitation) were averaged from 2001 to 2021 for Farwa Island and the control site (Hurghada Island, Red Sea, a known mangrove habitat). Results revealed significant climatic similarities between the two regions . Fieldwork on 15/8/2024 documented Farwa Island’s current state through soil/water sampling and photographic evidence of coastal erosion and vegetation degradation. GIS analysis quantified a critical reduction in the island’s area by 1.57 km² between 1990–2022 Physicochemical comparisons showed strong alignment between Farwa Island’s sandy soil/water properties and those of Avicennia marina (gray mangrove) habitats, particularly in bulk density, sodium/potassium content, pH, and soil electrical conductivity. While Farwa’s water salinity fell within the optimal range for mangroves, notable differences in water conductivity were observed