Littoral and wetland vegetation decrease carbon emissions from dry inland waters

Lakes are recognized as active components of the inland water carbon (C) cycle, as organic matter is processed by microbial respiration, inducing large carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) emissions. In the context of long-lasting drought periods, large uncertainties remain about: (1) the influence of wet-dry cycle on CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes in littoral zones and lacustrine wetlands; and (2) the contribution of emergent vegetation to C fluxes in dry inland waters. At the water-land interface of two shallow lakes, this study focuses on CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes from vegetated and bare dry inland waters in relation to hydrological fluctuations. Three seasonal campaigns were conducted to measure daytime CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes in pelagic, littoral and wetland surface waters, as well as in temporarily air-exposed sediments, using floating and static chambers, respectively. Our results reveal that wet-dry cycle in the littoral zone and wetlands strongly influence gaseous C fluxes through contrasting patterns, especially in late summer, when the biological processes are most active (primary production and respiration). In air-exposed littoral zones, organic-poor sandy sediments presented the lowest CO₂ and CH₄ emissions, whereas in air-exposed lacustrine wetlands, water-saturated sediments accumulated high amounts of plant-derived organic matter, promoting intense microbial activity and the highest C emissions. However, amphiphytes and helophytes vegetation in exposed littoral zones and wetlands reversed the direction of C fluxes, inducing the highest CO₂ uptake due to high photosynthesis rates. This study underlines the relevance of considering vegetation in dry inland waters, particularly in lacustrine littoral zones and wetlands, to obtain comprehensive lake C budgets, especially under climate change scenarios.