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Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures
Published on: January 7, 2019
Biological processes dominate the dynamic changes in the dissolved inorganic carbon ion equilibrium system of coastal
Yilin Wang1, Tian Shi2, Shuqi Xue1
1School of Environmental and Geography, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Synergistic Control of Complex Multi-Media Pollution, China.
Abstract:
The ionic equilibrium of soil dissolved inorganic carbon (SDIC) in coastal wetlands critically influences carbon fate-whether released as greenhouse gases or stored as a stable carbon sink. However, the synergistic effects and dominant factor of tidal and biological influences remain unclear. Soil and plant samples were collected from the Phragmites australis (PA) wetland in Jiaozhou Bay to establish tidal simulation devices in this study. Results showed that as flooding frequency increases, water dissolved inorganic carbon (WDIC) concentrations decrease (35.71 mg·L-1 to 34.76 mg·L-1) while outputs increase (5785.65 mg to 16895.52 mg). The neap tide (NT) group exhibited the highest proportion of output (49.5%). Biological processes dominated the formation and output of DIC, with contribution rates ranging from 51.21 ± 1.12% to 62.77 ± 2.15%. Meanwhile, the increased fluorescence intensity of the soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) following tidal simulation and the volume of soluble microbial by-products-like (Region IV, 41.39%∼45.75%) reflected the increased terrestrial organic matter input and intensified microbial metabolic activity, promoting the formation of biogenic DIC. Tidal-biological coupling altered the DIC ionic equilibrium system. Cl- transported by tidal water and H+ secreted by PA root influence soil inorganic carbon (SIC) precipitation and dissolution by affecting Ca2+, thereby influencing ionic equilibrium and DIC formation. In summary, this study highlights the pivotal role of biology in DIC formation and output, while underscoring the importance of conserving and restoring coastal wetland vegetation in current context of sea-level rise. These hold significant importance for enhancing ecological conservation and carbon sequestration.
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