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Moreda U, Mazarrasa I, Cebrian E, Kaal J, Ricart AM, Serrano E, Serrano O. Role of macroalgal forests within Mediterranean shallow bays in blue carbon storage. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173219. [PMID: 38750738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Although seaweeds rank among the most productive vegetated habitats globally, their inclusion within Blue Carbon frameworks is at its onset, partially because they usually grow in rocky substrates and their organic carbon (Corg) is mostly exported and stored beyond their habitat and thus, demonstrating its long-term storage is challenging. Here, we studied the sedimentary Corg storage in macroalgal forests dominated by Gongolaria barbata and in adjacent seagrass Cymodocea nodosa mixed with Caulerpa prolifera algae meadows, and bare sand habitats in Mediterranean shallow coastal embayments. We characterized the biogeochemistry of top 30 cm sedimentary deposits, including sediment grain-size, organic matter and Corg contents, Corg burial rates and the provenance of sedimentary Corg throughout stable carbon isotopes (δ13Corg) and pyrolysis analyses. Sediment Corg stocks and burial rates (since 1950) in G. barbata forests (mean ± SE, 3.5 ± 0.2 kg Corg m-2 accumulated at 15.5 ± 1.6 g Corg m-2 y-1) fall within the range of those reported for traditional Blue Carbon Ecosystems. Although the main species contributing to sedimentary Corg stocks in all vegetated habitats examined was C. nodosa (36 ± 2 %), macroalgae contributed 49 % (19 ± 2 % by G. barbata and 30 ± 3 % by C. prolifera) based on isotope mixing model results. Analytical pyrolysis confirmed the presence of macroalgae-derived compounds in the sediments, including N-compounds and α-tocopherol linked to G. barbata and C. prolifera, respectively. The sedimentary Corg burial rate linked to macroalgae within the macroalgal forests examined ranged from 5.4 to 9.5 g Corg m-2 y-1 (7.4 ± 2 g Corg m-2 y-1). This study provides empirical evidence for the long-term (∼70 years) sequestration of macroalgae-derived Corg within and beyond seaweed forests in Mediterranean shallow coastal embayments and thereby, supports the inclusion of macroalgae in Blue Carbon frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uxue Moreda
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, Spain
| | - Inés Mazarrasa
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, Spain; Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria (IHCantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Emma Cebrian
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, Spain
| | - Joeri Kaal
- Pyrolyscience, 15707 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Aurora M Ricart
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Serrano
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, Spain
| | - Oscar Serrano
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, Spain.
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Liu S, Ren Y, Jiang Z, Luo H, Zhang X, Wu Y, Liang J, Huang X, Macreadie PI. Changes in surface sediment carbon compositions in response to tropical seagrass meadow restoration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166565. [PMID: 37633380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass meadows are declining at a global scale, threatening their capacity as blue carbon sinks. Restoration of seagrasses (via seagrass seeds or plant transplantation) may recover their carbon sequestration capacity. Previous studies have predominantly focused on sediment organic carbon (SOC), while variations in sediment carbon compositions remain poorly understood, limiting our comprehension of the influence of seagrass restoration on sediment carbon stability. Here, we researched the differences in surface (0-3 cm) sediment carbon compositions in response to tropical seagrass transplantation among species (Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides); specifically, differences in labile, recalcitrant and refractory SOC, as well as sediment inorganic carbon (SIC) compositions variations under transplanted T. hemprichii and E. acoroides communities. It was found that seagrass transplantation enhanced suspended particle organic matter, and epiphyte and macroalgae input to surface sediment, which recovered the surface SOC concentration and stock rapidly to natural levels (increased ∼1.6-fold) within two years following transplantation. The elevated contribution of epiphyte and macroalgae significantly increased the surface labile sediment organic matter (SOM), but not the recalcitrant and refractory SOM composition after short-term transplantation. Meanwhile, surface SIC was significantly elevated, which might be mainly ascribed to allochthonous carbonate particle trapped under transplanted area with implications for carbon sequestration. The higher canopy and longer leaf seagrass species, E. acoroides, had elevated SOC, SIC and was more labile composition, compared to T. hemprichii transplant. Overall, this research suggests that tropical seagrass transplantation can increase the surface SOC, SIC concentration by increasing the labile organic matter and allochthonous carbonate particle input, respectively, with varying significantly among seagrass species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Yuzheng Ren
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Zhijian Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Hongxue Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Yunchao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Jiening Liang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Xiaoping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China.
| | - Peter I Macreadie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
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Huan L, Shi M, Wang X, Gu W, Zhang B, Liu X, Zhuo J, Wang G. Morphological characteristics and genetic diversity of floating and attached Ulva prolifera--A case study in the Yellow Sea, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115468. [PMID: 37666140 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Green tides in the Yellow Sea have occurred periodically since 2007, impacting the ecological environment and green algal communities along the coasts of Jiangsu and Shandong provinces in China. To investigate the morphological characteristics and genetic diversity of Ulva prolifera, we conducted surveys and comparative analyses of both its floating and attached forms along the coastal areas of Jiangsu and Shandong. The results revealed that the external morphology of the floating U. prolifera was multibranched. The attached U. prolifera displayed significant morphological variation among individuals. Based on the analysis of the amplified characteristic bands of the chloroplast gene, it was shown that both floating and attached U. prolifera could hybridize with Ulva linza. The genetic diversity of U. prolifera was studied using mitochondrial and chloroplast genome fragments. All floating U. prolifera and three strains of attached U. prolifera belonged to the same haplotype. The genetic diversity of floating U. prolifera was low, and there were some genetic differences with attached U. prolifera. The attached U. prolifera displayed a higher level of genetic diversity with abundant sites of variation and haplotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Huan
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengmeng Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xulei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenhui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Baoyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuehua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Jintao Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangce Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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Ding Y, Wang D, Zhao G, Chen S, Sun T, Sun H, Wu C, Li Y, Yu Z, Li Y, Chen Z. The contribution of wetland plant litter to soil carbon pool: Decomposition rates and priming effects. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 224:115575. [PMID: 36842702 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plant litter input is an important driver of soil/sediment organic carbon (SOC) turnover. A large number of studies have targeted litter-derived C input tracing at a global level. However, little is known about how litter carbon (C) input via various plant tissues affects SOC accumulation and mineralization. Here, we conducted laboratory incubation to investigate the effects of leaf litter and stem litter input on SOC dynamics using the natural 13C isotope technique. A 122-day laboratory incubation period showed that litter input facilitated SOC accumulation. Leaf and stem litter inputs increased soil total organic carbon content by 37.6% and 15.5%, respectively. Leaf litter input had a higher contribution to SOC accumulation than stem litter input. Throughout the incubation period, the δ13C values of stem litter and leaf litter increased by 1.5‰ and 3.3‰, respectively, while δ13CO2 derived from stem litter and δ13CO2 derived from leaf litter decreased by 4.2‰ and 6.1‰, respectively, suggesting that the magnitude of δ13C in litter and δ13CO2 shifts varied, depending on litter tissues. The cumulative CO2-C emissions of leaf litter input treatments were 27.56%-42.47% higher than those of the stem litter input treatments, and thus leaf litter input promoted SOC mineralization more than stem litter input. Moreover, the proportion of increased CO2-C emissions to cumulative CO2-C emissions (57.18%-92.12%) was greater than the proportion of litter C input to total C (18.7%-36.8%), indicating that litter input could stimulate native SOC mineralization, which offsets litter-derived C in the soil. Overall, litter input caused a net increase in SOC accumulation, but it also accelerated the loss of native SOC. These findings provide a reliable basis for assessing SOC stability and net C sink capacity in wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ding
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Dongqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, Shanghai, 200241, China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education and Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Taihu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Hechen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chenyang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yizhe Li
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhongjie Yu
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801-3028, USA
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhenlou Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
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Litchfield SG, Tan M, Schulz KG, Kelaher BP. Disposable surgical masks affect the decomposition of Zostera muelleri. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114695. [PMID: 36774916 PMCID: PMC9911587 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has caused a surge in the use of both disposable and re-usable mask pollution globally. It is important to understand the potential impact this influx of novel pollution has on key ecological processes, such as detrital dynamics. We aimed to understand the impact mask pollution has on the decomposition of a common coastal seagrass, Zostera muelleri. Using an outdoor mesocosm system with heater chiller units and a gas mixer, we were able to test the impact of both re-usable single-ply homemade cotton masks and disposable surgical masks on samples of Z. muelleri detritus under different environmental conditions. We found that disposable masks, but not re-usable masks, significantly increased decomposition of Z. muelleri detritus. This may be due to the increased surface area available for detritivorous microorganism colonisation, driving further decomposition. This could have negative ramifications for seagrass communities and adjacent ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian G Litchfield
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Melissa Tan
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Kai G Schulz
- Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry and School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, East Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
| | - Brendan P Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia.
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Grey A, Costeira R, Lorenzo E, O’Kane S, McCaul MV, McCarthy T, Jordan SF, Allen CCR, Kelleher BP. Geochemical properties of blue carbon sediments through an elevation gradient: study of an anthropogenically impacted coastal lagoon. BIOGEOCHEMISTRY 2023; 162:381-408. [PMID: 36873378 PMCID: PMC9971090 DOI: 10.1007/s10533-022-00974-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Global research is showing that coastal blue carbon ecosystems are vulnerable to climate change driven threats including accelerated sea-level rise and prolonged periods of drought. Furthermore, direct anthropogenic impacts present immediate threats through deterioration of coastal water quality, land reclamation, long-term impact to sediment biogeochemical cycling. These threats will invariably alter the future efficacy of carbon (C) sequestration processes and it is imperative that currently existing blue carbon habitats be protected. Knowledge of underlying biogeochemical, physical and hydrological interactions occurring in functioning blue carbon habitats is essential for developing strategies to mitigate threats, and promote conditions to optimise C sequestration/storage. In this current work, we investigated how sediment geochemistry (0-10 cm depth) responds to elevation, an edaphic factor driven by long-term hydrological regimes consequently exerting control over particle sedimentation rates and vegetation succession. This study was performed in an anthropogenically impacted blue carbon habitat along a coastal ecotone encompassing an elevation gradient transect from intertidal sediments (un-vegetated and covered daily by tidal water), through vegetated salt marsh sediments (periodically covered by spring tides and flooding events), on Bull Island, Dublin Bay. We determined the quantity and distributions of bulk geochemical characteristics in sediments through the elevation gradient, including total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total metals, silt, clay, and also, 16 individual polyaromatic hydrocarbon's (PAH's) as an indication of anthropogenic input. Elevation measurements for sample sites were determined on this gradient using a LiDAR scanner accompanied by an IGI inertial measurement unit (IMU) on board a light aircraft. Considering the gradient from the Tidal mud zone (T), through the low-mid marsh (M) to the most elevated upper marsh (H), there were significant differences between all zones for many measured environmental variables. The results of significance testing using Kruskal-Wallis analysis revealed, that %C, %N, PAH (µg/g), Mn (mg/kg), TOC:NH4 + and pH are significantly different between all zones on the elevation gradient. The highest values for all these variables exists (excluding pH which followed a reverse trend) in zone H, decreasing in zone M and lowest in the un-vegetated zone T. TC content is 16 fold higher overall in vegetated (3.43 -21.84%) than uninhabited (0.21-0.56%) sediments. TN was over 50 times higher (0.24-1.76%), more specifically increasing in % mass on approach to the upper salt marsh with distance from the tidal flats sediments zone T (0.002-0.05%). Clay and silt distributions were greatest in vegetated sediments, increasing in % content towards upper marsh zones The retention of water, metals, PAHs, mud, chloride ions, NH4 +, PO4 3- and SO4 2- increased with elevated C concentrations, concurrently where pH significantly decreased. Sediments were categorized with respect to PAH contamination where all SM samples were placed in the high polluted category. The results highlight the ability of Blue C sediments to immobilise increasing levels of C, N, and metals, and PAH with over time and with both lateral and vertical expansion. This study provides a valuable data set for an anthropogenically impacted blue carbon habitat predicted to suffer from sea-level rise and exponential urban development. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT Summarized results from this study demonstrating the geochemical changes through an elevation gradient, with a transect encompassing intertidal sediments through supratidal salt marsh sediments within Bull Island's blue carbon lagoon zones. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10533-022-00974-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Grey
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Ricardo Costeira
- The School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, N. Ireland
| | - Emmaline Lorenzo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
| | - Sean O’Kane
- National Centre for Geocomputation, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Margaret V. McCaul
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tim McCarthy
- National Centre for Geocomputation, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sean F. Jordan
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Brian P. Kelleher
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
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Barroso GC, Abril G, Machado W, Abuchacra RC, Peixoto RB, Bernardes M, Marques GS, Sanders CJ, Oliveira GB, Oliveira Filho SR, Amora-Nogueira L, Marotta H. Linking eutrophication to carbon dioxide and methane emissions from exposed mangrove soils along an urban gradient. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:157988. [PMID: 35963403 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves are one of the most important but threatened blue carbon ecosystems globally. Rapid urban growth has resulted in nutrient inputs and subsequent coastal eutrophication, associated with an enrichment in organic matter (OM) from algal and sewage sources and substantial changes in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) enrichment on mangrove soil OM composition and GHG emissions, such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), are still poorly understood. Here, we aim to evaluate the relationships between CO2 and CH4 efflux with OM composition in exposed soils from three mangrove areas along watersheds with different urbanization levels (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil). To assess spatial (lower vs. upper intertidal zones) and seasonal (summer vs. winter) variability, we measured soil-air CO2 and CH4 fluxes at low spring tide, analyzing elementary (C, N, and P), isotopic (δ13C and δ15N), and the molecular (n-alkanes and sterols) composition of surface soil OM. A general trend of OM composition was found with increasing urban influence, with higher δ15N (proxy of anthropogenic N enrichment), less negative δ13C, more short-chain n-alkanes, lower C:N ratio (proxies of algal biomass), and higher epicoprostanol content (proxies of sewage-derived OM). The CO2 efflux from exposed soils increased greatly in median (25/75 % interquartile range) from 4.6 (2.9/8.3) to 24.0 (21.5/32.7) mmol m-2 h-1 from more pristine to more urbanized watersheds, independent of intertidal zone and seasonality. The CO2 fluxes at the most eutrophicated site were among the highest reported worldwide for mangrove soils. Conversely, CH4 emissions were relatively low (three orders of magnitude lower than CO2 fluxes), with high peaks in the lower intertidal zone during the rainy summer. Thus, our findings demonstrate the influence of coastal eutrophication on global warming potentials related to enhanced heterotrophic remineralization of blue carbon within mangrove soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenda C Barroso
- Graduate Program in Geosciences (Environmental Geochemistry), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n, 24020-007 Niterói, Brazil; Ecosystems and Global Change Laboratory (LEMG-UFF)/Brazilian Ocean Acidification Network (BrOA), International Laboratory of Global Change (LINCGlobal), Biomass and Water Management Research Center (NAB-UFF), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Av. Edmundo March, s/n°, Niterói, RJ 24210-310, Brazil
| | - Gwenaël Abril
- Graduate Program in Geosciences (Environmental Geochemistry), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n, 24020-007 Niterói, Brazil; Laboratoire de Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), FRE 2020, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, IRD, SU, UCN, UA, Paris, France
| | - Wilson Machado
- Graduate Program in Geosciences (Environmental Geochemistry), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n, 24020-007 Niterói, Brazil; Ecosystems and Global Change Laboratory (LEMG-UFF)/Brazilian Ocean Acidification Network (BrOA), International Laboratory of Global Change (LINCGlobal), Biomass and Water Management Research Center (NAB-UFF), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Av. Edmundo March, s/n°, Niterói, RJ 24210-310, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo C Abuchacra
- Ecosystems and Global Change Laboratory (LEMG-UFF)/Brazilian Ocean Acidification Network (BrOA), International Laboratory of Global Change (LINCGlobal), Biomass and Water Management Research Center (NAB-UFF), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Av. Edmundo March, s/n°, Niterói, RJ 24210-310, Brazil; Department of Geography, Graduate Program in Geography, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ/FFP), Rua Dr. Francisco Portela, 1470 São Gonçalo, 24435-005 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Roberta B Peixoto
- Graduate Program in Geosciences (Environmental Geochemistry), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n, 24020-007 Niterói, Brazil; Ecosystems and Global Change Laboratory (LEMG-UFF)/Brazilian Ocean Acidification Network (BrOA), International Laboratory of Global Change (LINCGlobal), Biomass and Water Management Research Center (NAB-UFF), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Av. Edmundo March, s/n°, Niterói, RJ 24210-310, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bernardes
- Graduate Program in Geosciences (Environmental Geochemistry), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n, 24020-007 Niterói, Brazil
| | - Gabriela S Marques
- Graduate Program in Geosciences (Environmental Geochemistry), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n, 24020-007 Niterói, Brazil
| | - Christian J Sanders
- National Marine Science Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2540, Australia
| | - Gabriela B Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Geosciences (Environmental Geochemistry), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n, 24020-007 Niterói, Brazil; Ecosystems and Global Change Laboratory (LEMG-UFF)/Brazilian Ocean Acidification Network (BrOA), International Laboratory of Global Change (LINCGlobal), Biomass and Water Management Research Center (NAB-UFF), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Av. Edmundo March, s/n°, Niterói, RJ 24210-310, Brazil
| | - Silvio R Oliveira Filho
- Physical Geography Laboratory (LAGEF-UFF), Department of Geography, Graduate Program in Geography, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Av. Gal. Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n°, Niterói, RJ 24210-346, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Amora-Nogueira
- Graduate Program in Geosciences (Environmental Geochemistry), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n, 24020-007 Niterói, Brazil; Ecosystems and Global Change Laboratory (LEMG-UFF)/Brazilian Ocean Acidification Network (BrOA), International Laboratory of Global Change (LINCGlobal), Biomass and Water Management Research Center (NAB-UFF), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Av. Edmundo March, s/n°, Niterói, RJ 24210-310, Brazil; Physical Geography Laboratory (LAGEF-UFF), Department of Geography, Graduate Program in Geography, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Av. Gal. Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n°, Niterói, RJ 24210-346, Brazil
| | - Humberto Marotta
- Graduate Program in Geosciences (Environmental Geochemistry), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n, 24020-007 Niterói, Brazil; Ecosystems and Global Change Laboratory (LEMG-UFF)/Brazilian Ocean Acidification Network (BrOA), International Laboratory of Global Change (LINCGlobal), Biomass and Water Management Research Center (NAB-UFF), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Av. Edmundo March, s/n°, Niterói, RJ 24210-310, Brazil; Physical Geography Laboratory (LAGEF-UFF), Department of Geography, Graduate Program in Geography, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Av. Gal. Milton Tavares de Souza, s/n°, Niterói, RJ 24210-346, Brazil.
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8
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Liu S, Trevathan-Tackett SM, Jiang Z, Cui L, Wu Y, Zhang X, Li J, Luo H, Huang X. Nutrient loading decreases blue carbon by mediating fungi activities within seagrass meadows. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113280. [PMID: 35430277 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coastal pollution, including nutrient loading, can negatively impact seagrass health and cover and may consequently alter soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation and preservation. Key to understanding how eutrophication impacts SOC cycling in seagrass ecosystems is how nutrient loading changes the sources of carbon being deposited and how these changes in resources, both nutrients and carbon availability, influence soil microbiota community and activity. Currently, the direction and magnitude of nutrient loading impacts on seagrass SOC dynamics are poorly understood at a meadow scale, limiting our ability to reveal the driving mechanisms of SOC remineralisation. The purpose of this study was to assess the response of surface SOC and soil microbiomes to nutrient loading within tropical seagrass meadows. To achieve this, we quantified both total SOC and recalcitrant soil organic carbon (RSOC) concentrations and sources, in addition to the composition of bacterial and fungal communities and soil extracellular enzyme activities. We found that nutrient loading elevated SOC and RSOC content, mainly facilitated by enhanced algal growth. There was no nutrient effect on the soil prokaryotic communities, however, saprotrophic fungi groups (i.e. Trapeliales, Sordaridales, Saccharomycetales and Polyporales) and fungal activities were elevated under high nutrient conditions, including extracellular enzyme activities linked to seagrass-based cellulose and lignin decomposition. This relative increase in RSOC transformation may decrease the relative contribution of seagrass carbon to RSOC pools. Additionally, significantly different fungal communities were observed between adjacent T. hemprichii and E. acoroides areas, which coincided with elevated RSOC-decomposing enzyme activity in T. hemprichii meadows, even though the mixed seagrass meadow received allochthonous SOC and RSOC from the same sources. These results suggest that nutrient loading stimulated fungal activity and community shifts specific to the local seagrass species, thereby causing fine-scale (within-meadow) variability in SOC cycling in response to nutrient loading. This study provides evidence that fungal composition and activity, mediated by human activities (e.g. nutrient loading), can be an important influence on seagrass blue carbon accumulation and remineralisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572100, China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Stacey M Trevathan-Tackett
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia
| | - Zhijian Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Lijun Cui
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yunchao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572100, China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572100, China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hongxue Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China.
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9
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Kwan V, Fong J, Ng CSL, Huang D. Temporal and spatial dynamics of tropical macroalgal contributions to blue carbon. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154369. [PMID: 35259389 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Blue carbon ecosystems are a vital part of nature-based climate solutions due to their capacity to store and sequester carbon, but often exclude macroalgal beds even though they can form highly productive coastal ecosystems. Recent estimates of macroalgal contributions to global carbon sequestration are derived primarily from temperate kelp forests, while tropical macroalgal carbon stock in living biomass is still unclear. Here, using Singapore as a case study, we integrate field surveys and remote sensing data to estimate living macroalgal carbon stock. Results show that macroalgae in Singapore account for up to 650 Mg C biomass stock, which is greater than the aboveground carbon found in seagrass meadows but lower than that in mangrove forests. Ulva and Sargassum dominate macroalgal assemblages and biomass along the coast, with both genera exhibiting distinct spatio-temporal variation. The annual range of macroalgal biomass carbon is estimated to be 450 Mg C yr-1, or 0.77 Mg C ha-1 yr-1. Noting the uncertainties of the fate of macroalgal biomass carbon, we estimate the potential sequestration rate and find that it is comparable to mature terrestrial ecosystems such as tropical grasslands and temperate forests. This study demonstrates that macroalgal seasonality allows for a consistent amount of biomass carbon to either be exported and eventually sequestered, or harvested for utilization on an annual basis. These findings on macroalgal growth patterns and their considerable contributions to tropical coastal carbon pool add to the growing support for macroalgae to be formally included in blue carbon assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Kwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore; Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
| | - Jenny Fong
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Chin Soon Lionel Ng
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore; Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119227, Singapore.
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10
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Potential negative effects of ocean afforestation on offshore ecosystems. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:675-683. [PMID: 35449458 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01722-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Our scientific understanding of climate change makes clear the necessity for both emission reduction and carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The ocean with its large surface area, great depths and long coastlines is central to developing CDR approaches commensurate with the scale needed to limit warming to below 2 °C. Many proposed marine CDR approaches rely on spatial upscaling along with enhancement and/or acceleration of the rates of naturally occurring processes. One such approach is 'ocean afforestation', which involves offshore transport and concurrent growth of nearshore macroalgae (seaweed), followed by their export into the deep ocean. The purposeful occupation for months of open ocean waters by macroalgae, which do not naturally occur there, will probably affect offshore ecosystems through a range of biological threats, including altered ocean chemistry and changed microbial physiology and ecology. Here, we present model simulations of ocean afforestation and link these to lessons from other examples of offshore dispersal, including rafting plastic debris, and discuss the ramifications for offshore ecosystems. We explore what additional metrics are required to assess the ecological implications of this proposed CDR. In our opinion, these ecological metrics must have equal weight to CDR capacity in the development of initial trials, pilot studies and potential licensing.
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11
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Dahl M, Ismail R, Braun S, Masqué P, Lavery PS, Gullström M, Arias-Ortiz A, Asplund ME, Garbaras A, Lyimo LD, Mtolera MSP, Serrano O, Webster C, Björk M. Impacts of land-use change and urban development on carbon sequestration in tropical seagrass meadow sediments. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 176:105608. [PMID: 35358909 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass meadows store significant carbon stocks at a global scale, but land-use change and other anthropogenic activities can alter the natural process of organic carbon (Corg) accumulation. Here, we assessed the carbon accumulation history of two seagrass meadows in Zanzibar (Tanzania) that have experienced different degrees of disturbance. The meadow at Stone Town has been highly exposed to urban development during the 20th century, while the Mbweni meadow is located in an area with relatively low impacts but historical clearing of adjacent mangroves. The results showed that the two sites had similar sedimentary Corg accumulation rates (22-25 g m-2 yr-1) since the 1940s, while during the last two decades (∼1998 until 2018) they exhibited 24-30% higher accumulation of Corg, which was linked to shifts in Corg sources. The increase in the δ13C isotopic signature of sedimentary Corg (towards a higher seagrass contribution) at the Stone Town site since 1998 points to improved seagrass meadow conditions and Corg accumulation capacity of the meadow after the relocation of a major sewage outlet in the mid-1990s. In contrast, the decrease in the δ13C signatures of sedimentary Corg in the Mbweni meadow since the early 2010s was likely linked to increased Corg run-off of mangrove/terrestrial material following mangrove deforestation. This study exemplifies two different pathways by which land-based human activities can alter the carbon storage capacity of seagrass meadows (i.e. sewage waste management and mangrove deforestation) and showcases opportunities for management of vegetated coastal Corg sinks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Dahl
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Rashid Ismail
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), University of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Sara Braun
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pere Masqué
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia; International Atomic Energy, Principality of Monaco, Monaco
| | - Paul S Lavery
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Martin Gullström
- School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ariane Arias-Ortiz
- Ecosystem Science Division, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA; Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Maria E Asplund
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Kristineberg, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden
| | | | - Liberatus D Lyimo
- Department of Crop Science and Horticulture. Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Matern S P Mtolera
- Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), University of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Oscar Serrano
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia; Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, Spain
| | - Chanelle Webster
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mats Björk
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Qin LZ, Suonan Z, Kim SH, Lee KS. Coastal Sediment Nutrient Enrichment Alters Seagrass Blue Carbon Sink Capacity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15466-15475. [PMID: 34698488 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The seagrass ecosystem is among the most efficient natural carbon sinks that can contribute to climate change mitigation. However, little is known about the effects of coastal nutrient enrichment caused by anthropogenic activities and/or climate change on the capacity of the seagrass blue carbon sink. Our experimental manipulations of sediment nutrient enrichment shifted the blue carbon sink capabilities of seagrass meadows. Sediment nutrient enrichment significantly increased the nutrient content of seagrass litter, stimulating the decomposition of rhizome + root litter by ∼10% while retarding the decomposition of leaf litter by ∼5%. Sediment N + P enrichment increased seagrass growth and litter production, while enrichment of N or P alone did not. Organic carbon (Corg) stocks in the surface sediments (0-5 cm) were 34% higher than those in the control with N + P enrichment due to high litter production and the low decomposition rate of nutrient-enriched leaf litter. However, Corg stocks in the subsurface sediments (5-20 cm) did not increase with sediment nutrient enrichment, which is likely due to accelerated decomposition of rhizome + root litter. Our findings suggest that nutrient loading in coastal sediments alters the blue carbon sink and storage capacities in seagrass meadows by changing the rates of carbon sequestration and decomposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Zheng Qin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
- College of Marine Science, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zhaxi Suonan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyeon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Kun-Seop Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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13
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Hidayah N, Ng CT, Arina N, Fairoz M, Rozaimi M. Macroalgal and mangrove provenances demonstrate their relevance in contributing to the blue carbon pool of a tropical seagrass meadow. Ecol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hidayah
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia UKM Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - Chiew Tsann Ng
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia UKM Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - Natasha Arina
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia UKM Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Fairoz
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia UKM Bangi Selangor Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Rozaimi
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia UKM Bangi Selangor Malaysia
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