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Urbanization increases carbon concentration and pCO2 in subtropical streams
Michelle das Neves Lopes1, Cleiton Juarez Decarli2, Lorena Pinheiro-Silva2
1UFSC, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Ecology and Zoology, Florianópolis, Brazil. michellenlopes@gmail.com.
Urbanization increases dissolved carbon in streams, leading to higher CO2 levels. This study shows how land use changes from urban growth impact aquatic carbon cycles and contribute to climate change.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Urbanization alters local land use and hydrologic conditions.
- These changes can impact carbon cycling in aquatic ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dissolved carbon concentrations (DIC and DOC) along an urbanization gradient.
- To assess the effects of urbanization on CO2 levels in streams.
- To evaluate chemical, physical, and biotic factors influenced by urban watersheds.
Main Methods:
- Defined three urbanization levels: high (>15%), medium (5-15%), and low (<5%).
- Measured dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in streams.
- Assessed various chemical, physical, and biotic variables in watersheds.
Main Results:
- Higher urbanization levels correlated with increased DOC and DIC concentrations.
- Watersheds with >5% urban area exhibited pCO2 levels exceeding atmospheric equilibrium.
- Urban land use changes significantly alter stream carbon concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Local land use modifications due to urbanization impact regional carbon balances.
- Increased CO2 in streams from urbanized watersheds may contribute to global climate change.
- Understanding these impacts is crucial for managing aquatic systems in urban environments.
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