Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
10:11
The Benthic Exchange of O2, N2 and Dissolved Nutrients Using Small Core Incubations
Published on: August 3, 2016
10.5K
A significant net sink for CO2 in Tokyo Bay
Atsushi Kubo1, Yosaku Maeda1, Jota Kanda1
1Department of Ocean Sciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan.
Scientific Reports
|March 14, 2017
Summary
Urbanized estuaries like Tokyo Bay are shifting from CO2 sources to sinks due to photosynthesis. This trend suggests global estuary carbon dioxide emissions may significantly decrease by 2050.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Oceanography
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Estuaries and inland waters are typically significant sources of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).
- Terrestrial inputs of inorganic and organic carbon fuel CO2 release through mineralization.
- Some estuaries with limited freshwater discharge can act as weak CO2 sources or even sinks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the carbon dioxide (CO2) dynamics in Tokyo Bay, a highly urbanized estuary.
- To identify the factors influencing the air-sea CO2 flux in coastal waters.
- To project future changes in global estuary CO2 emissions based on urbanized models.
Main Methods:
- Conducted extensive surveys of partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in Tokyo Bay.
- Developed a model to define the border between CO2-emitting and CO2-absorbing waters.
- Extrapolated findings from Tokyo Bay to global estuary estimates.
Main Results:
- Tokyo Bay functions as a strong net sink for atmospheric CO2, contrary to many estuaries.
- Active photosynthesis, driven by nutrient loading, dominates the bay's CO2 budget.
- The CO2 emission-absorption border is significantly landward in Tokyo Bay, characteristic of urbanized systems.
Conclusions:
- Highly urbanized estuaries with advanced sewage treatment can become substantial CO2 sinks.
- The shift in CO2 balance is linked to nutrient loading and enhanced photosynthesis.
- Global estuary CO2 emissions are projected to decrease significantly by 2050 due to increasing urbanization and its effects on coastal waters.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:46Bioremediation
22.7K
Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
22.7K
01:19Carbon Dioxide Transport in the Blood
6.2K
Carbon dioxide (CO2) transport in the blood is critical to human physiology. On average, our body cells produce around 200 mL of CO2 per minute, precisely the quantity expelled by the lungs. This process involves the transportation of CO2 from the tissue cells to the lungs in three primary forms.
Forms of CO2 Transport
1. Dissolved in plasma: A small percentage (7-10%) of CO2 is transported and dissolved directly in the plasma.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin: Just over 20% of CO2 is chemically bound to...
Forms of CO2 Transport
1. Dissolved in plasma: A small percentage (7-10%) of CO2 is transported and dissolved directly in the plasma.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin: Just over 20% of CO2 is chemically bound to...
6.2K
01:19Quality of Water
623
In concrete preparation, the quality of water is paramount as it affects the strength and durability of the concrete. Potable water is usually preferred; however, it must not have excessive sodium or potassium to prevent compromising the concrete's integrity. Water quality is typically evaluated based on impurities such as dissolved solids, chlorides, and sulfates, and its pH value is ideally between 6 and 8. Even slightly acidic natural water may be acceptable unless it contains harmful...
623
01:14Testing Water Quality
427
When the quality of water for concrete preparation is uncertain, its impact on the setting time of cement and compressive strength of mortar is assessed by comparison with de-ionized or distilled water benchmarks. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C1602 requires the setting times to be within 90 minutes of the control, British Standard (BS) 3146:1980 allows a 30-minute variance in the initial setting, while British Standards European Norm (BS EN) 1008 specifies initial setting...
427
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
1.9K
Understanding and evaluating diffusion and perfusion is critical in assessing a patient's respiratory and circulatory health. These processes play key roles in maintaining the body's internal environment, ensuring that tissues receive adequate oxygen while waste products are efficiently removed.
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
1.9K
01:14The Carbon Cycle
45.0K
Carbon is the basis of all organic matter on Earth, and is recycled through the ecosystem in two primary processes: one in which carbon is exchanged among living organisms, and one in which carbon is cycled over long periods of time through fossilized organic remains, weathering of rocks, and volcanic activity. Human activities, including increased agricultural practices and the burning of fossil fuels, has greatly affected the balance of the natural carbon cycle.
45.0K