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Measuring Carbon-based Contaminant Mineralization Using Combined CO2 Flux and Radiocarbon Analyses
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Temperature-controlled organic carbon mineralization in lake sediments
Cristian Gudasz1, David Bastviken, Kristin Steger
1Limnology, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden. cristian.gudasz@ebc.uu.se
Nature
|July 24, 2010
Summary
Warmer temperatures increase organic carbon mineralization in lake sediments, reducing carbon burial. Climate change may significantly decrease the capacity of boreal lakes to store carbon.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Limnology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Inland waters like lakes are crucial components of the global carbon cycle, yet receive limited research attention compared to other carbon sinks.
- Organic carbon deposited in lake sediments undergoes mineralization or long-term burial, influencing global carbon budgets.
- Understanding factors controlling sediment organic carbon dynamics is vital for predicting climate change impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sediment organic carbon mineralization and temperature in boreal lakes.
- To assess how projected climate warming might affect organic carbon burial in lake ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a cross-system survey of boreal lakes in Sweden.
- Compiled and analyzed published data from diverse lakes globally, varying in climate, productivity, and carbon sources.
- Examined the correlation between sediment organic carbon mineralization rates and water temperature.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between organic carbon mineralization in lake sediments and temperature.
- Warmer temperatures result in increased mineralization and consequently, reduced organic carbon burial.
- Estimated that a 4-27% decrease in annual organic carbon burial in boreal lakes could occur under IPCC climate change scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Lake sediment organic carbon mineralization is highly sensitive to temperature.
- Rising global temperatures may diminish the role of boreal lakes as long-term carbon sinks.
- Future carbon burial in lakes will likely be impacted by climate warming, necessitating updated global carbon cycle models.
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