Carbon dioxide fluxes across the air-water interface and its impact on carbon availability in aquatic systems

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Limnology and Oceanography

DOI:https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1995.40.4.0690· OSTI ID:115198

Portielje, R; Lijklema, L ^[1]

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1. Agricultural Univ., Wageningen (Netherlands)

Diffusion of CO{sub 2} across the air-water interface was analyzed with a model that simulates both transport and reaction of CO{sub 2} in a stagnant boundary layer. The atmospheric C influx was determined in relation to several environmental variables: pH, total dissolved inorganic C, temperature, and the thickness of the stagnant boundary layer in relation to ambient windspeed. We used the model to calculate the atmospheric CO{sub 2} influx into experimental ditches for a period of 6 to 8 months, starting in early spring. Three of the six ditches were dominated by aquatic macrophytes and three by benthic algae. Each series received three levels of external N and P input. A comparison with net C assimilation during the same period, as estimated from continuous oxygen measurements, showed that, especially in the ditches dominated by submersed macrophytes, a sizable fraction of the C requirements during this period could have been obtained from atmospheric CO{sub 2}. In the ditches dominated by benthic algae, this fraction was considerably less, but nonetheless substantial, and was related to the level of N and P loading. Increased primary production due to enhanced external N and P loading increased the atmospheric C input due to the resultant higher pH values. The trophic state with respect to N and P and the availability of C are therefore interrelated. 25 refs., 8 figs., 5 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 115198
• Journal Information: Limnology and Oceanography, Journal Name: Limnology and Oceanography Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 40; ISSN LIOCAH; ISSN 0024-3590
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR-WATER INTERACTIONS
ALGAE
BOUNDARY LAYERS
CARBON DIOXIDE
DIFFUSION
MULTI-PARAMETER ANALYSIS
STAGNATION
SURFACE WATERS