Article
Environmental Sciences
Weifeng Yang, Xiufeng Zhao, Minfang Zheng
Summary: In the South China Sea, the sinking velocity and remineralization process of particulate organic carbon in the mesopelagic zone were investigated using Po-210-Pb-210 tracer, revealing the dominant layer of POC remineralization and the importance of POC-induced acidification in the upper mesopelagic layer. The study provides insights into the POC-induced acidification mechanism in the mesopelagic water, especially in the upper twilight zone.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wokil Bam, Kanchan Maiti, Mark Baskaran
Summary: The distribution and vertical fluxes of particulate organic carbon and other key elements in the Arctic Ocean are mainly influenced by primary productivity, ice cover, and lateral exchange. Seasonal vertical fluxes of particulate organic and inorganic carbon, nitrogen, and biogenic silica were studied using tracers in the western Arctic Basin in 2015. The results highlight the importance of POC and PN fluxes in seasonal vertical transport, with the highest fluxes observed in ice-covered stations in the northern region.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huina Hu, Xiao Liu, Chunyan Ren, Renming Jia, Yusheng Qiu, Minfang Zheng, Min Chen
Summary: The analysis of Po-210 and Pb-210 activity concentrations near Prydz Bay revealed variations in dissolved and particulate activity concentrations in different oceanic regions, reflecting the dynamics of organic matter particles.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erin E. Black, Christopher K. Algar, Maria Armstrong, Stephanie S. Kienast
Summary: Coastal shelves play an important role in carbon transformation and storage, but accurately estimating carbon budgets in these regions remains challenging. This study conducted repeated sampling in a semi-restricted coastal basin in Nova Scotia, Canada, using the U-238-Th-234 isotope system to estimate carbon flux. The results showed that Th-234 fluxes in the water column were in balance with those at the seafloor, and the carbon export estimates were consistent with model-based estimates. This research provides insights into the carbon sources and sinks in Bedford Basin and suggests future improvements for utilizing the U-238-Th-234 system in coastal regions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weifeng Yang, Xiufeng Zhao, Min Chen, Yusheng Qiu, Minfang Zheng
Summary: When quantifying the sinking flux of Th-234 over the slope of the South China Sea, the influence of advection and diffusion cannot be ignored. Ignoring these physical processes can significantly underestimate the results.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiangqiang Zhong, Tao Yu, Hui Lin, Jing Lin, Jianda Ji, Jialin Ni, Jinzhou Du, Dekun Huang
Summary: Estimating POC fluxes using Po-210-Pb-210 disequilibria in seawater samples from the western North Pacific Ocean, researchers found different distributions of Po-210 and Pb-210 in the euphotic zone and deep ocean regions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Jiaying Li, Zhifei Liu, Baozhi Lin, Yulong Zhao, Junyuan Cao, Xiaodong Zhang, Jingwen Zhang, Chen Ling, Pengfei Ma, Jiawang Wu
Summary: Zooplankton fecal pellets play an important role in the export of particulate organic carbon (POC) in the ocean. However, their characteristics and contribution to POC flux have not been well studied in the tropical marginal sea. In this study, the fecal pellet flux in the South China Sea was investigated for the first time. The results showed significant temporal and spatial variations in fecal pellet flux, with higher fluxes during the winter monsoon. The presence of extra-large pellets in the deep sea indicated in-situ repackaging of deep-dwelling zooplankton communities. Fecal pellets contributed significantly to the total POC flux, especially during the winter monsoon.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michaela L. de Melo, Cristian R. Teodoru, Paul A. del Giorgio
Summary: This study conducted a large-scale survey of 23 major rivers in northern Quebec, finding significant variations in the concentrations of different carbon species, with methane showing the greatest variability. The study also found that the concentration of dissolved organic carbon decreased with an increase in water surface coverage, suggesting that it may primarily originate from water-land interfaces. Furthermore, for heavily dammed rivers, carbon emissions to the atmosphere approached the carbon export component. These findings are crucial for accurately quantifying carbon cycling in boreal rivers, understanding the sources and sinks of carbon, and predicting their responses to anthropogenic pressures and dynamic climate conditions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Bin Wang, Katja Fennel
Summary: The use of BGC-Argo proxy observations of POC can help distinguish between different model parameterizations of the biological carbon pump, and provide new insights into its processes and evolution.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cecile Cathalot, Erwan G. Roussel, Antoine Perhirin, Vanessa Creff, Jean-Pierre Donval, Vivien Guyader, Guillaume Roullet, Jonathan Gula, Christian Tamburini, Marc Garel, Anne Godfroy, Pierre-Marie Sarradin
Summary: Hydrothermal vents play a crucial role in the ocean's carbon cycle. The authors constructed a biogeochemical model to estimate the production rates of microbial communities within these vents, validating their contribution to the deep ocean carbon cycle. They conclude that hydrothermal plumes are significant sources of POC in ocean carbon budgets.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maletira M. Prakash, C. S. Kaliprasad, Y. Narayana, B. G. Jagadeesha
Summary: The distribution of Ra-226, Th-232, K-40, Po-210 and Pb-210 radionuclides in the illuviated soils of Somwarpet taluk, Coorg district of Karnataka state are investigated. The activity concentration of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 radionuclides is highest in the lowest layer or the illuviated horizon of the vertical profile. The activity concentration of Po-210 and Pb-210 is highest in the top layer of the soil.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xuling Luo, Xiaoyong Bai, Qiu Tan, Chen Ran, Huan Chen, Huipeng Xi, Fei Chen, Luhua Wu, Chaojun Li, Sirui Zhang, Xin Zhong, Shuang Tian
Summary: This study reanalyzed and generated POC flux data of major rivers worldwide using updated databases and models. The results show that Asia exports the most POC, with the Amazon basin being a major contributor to the Atlantic POC. Additionally, there are two key zones of POC flux in the latitude belt.
Article
Limnology
Karen Stamieszkin, Deborah K. Steinberg, Amy E. Maas
Summary: This study directly measured the fecal pellet carbon (FPC) production rates of mesozooplankton, finding that the production rate was 2.8 times higher at night compared to during the day, with the smallest size class contributing the most. In the subarctic Northeast Pacific Ocean, the pelagic tunicate Salpa aspera had the highest individual FPC production rate, while the large copepod Neocalanus cristatus dominated the 2.0-5.0 mm fraction but had a low FPC production rate.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Markus Zehringer, Franziska Kammerer, Anja Pregler
Summary: This paper discusses the experiences of the last 20 years with the PERALS technique, which is a powerful method for analyzing natural nuclides based on selective extraction and scintillation counting. It focuses on the robust analysis schemes for the determination of actinides traces in water samples such as polonium, thorium, and uranium.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jingjing Zhang, Hongliang Li, Martin G. Wiesner, Lihua Ran, Xingju He, Guangxi Chi, Xinyang Wang, Jinping Yu, Jianfang Chen
Summary: Accurately assessing the capacity of the modern ocean to fix and sequester atmospheric CO2 is crucial for understanding the marine carbon cycle and global climate system. The South China Sea (SCS) provides an ideal natural laboratory to study the response of the biological carbon pump (BCP) to multiscale physical processes. This study reveals the linkages between particulate organic carbon (POC) flux and primary production, as well as the controlling factors at different timescales, such as East Asian monsoon, intraseasonal eddies, aerosol deposition, and El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Marcio Martins, Carmen B. de los Santos, Pere Masque, A. Rita Carrasco, Cristina Veiga-Pires, Rui Santos
Summary: This study investigated the organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks and burial rates of intertidal saltmarsh and seagrass habitats in Ria Formosa lagoon in southern Portugal, finding that their variability is influenced by multiple physical and ecological factors. The seagrass Z. noltei exhibited higher OC and TN stocks and burial rates compared to other seagrasses, while the saltmarsh S. maritimus had lower values. The research highlights the significance of exploring the drivers of such variability.
Article
Limnology
Anna Elizabeth Lovgren Graversen, Gary T. Banta, Pere Masque, Dorte Krause-Jensen
Summary: Climate change has created a demand for solutions counteracting greenhouse gas emissions, including the expansion of natural carbon-sequestration habitats like salt marshes. A study on Danish salt marshes showed that grazing had a minimal effect on carbon stocks and sequestration rates, with grazed sites actually having higher carbon densities in surface layers. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of grazing on carbon sequestration and to develop effective blue carbon management strategies for salt marshes.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Carmen B. de los Santos, Luis G. Egea, Marcio Martins, Rui Santos, Pere Masque, Gloria Peralta, Fernando G. Brun, Rocio Jimenez-Ramos
Summary: The researchers investigated four adjacent vegetated coastal habitats in Cadiz Bay, South Spain, and found that subtidal seagrass Cymodocea nodosa had the highest organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks, followed by upper intertidal salt marsh Sporobolus maritimus, subtidal rhizophytic macroalgae Caulerpa prolifera, and lower intertidal seagrass Zostera noltei. They also observed that sedimentation and organic carbon burial rates increased with elevation. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of using habitat-specific carbon and nitrogen stocks and burial rates to predict the sequestration capacity of vegetated coastal habitats at the seascape level.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clara Ruiz-Gonzalez, Lara Rodriguez-Pie, Olena Maister, Valenti Rodellas, Aaron Alorda-Keinglass, Marc Diego-Feliu, Albert Folch, Jordi Garcia-Orellana, Josep M. Gasol
Summary: This study provides the first spatially-resolved characterization of bacterial assemblages in a coastal aquifer in the NW Mediterranean. The researchers found large variations in prokaryotic abundances, activity, and diversity along the salinity gradient, reflecting the pronounced physicochemical gradients. The study also revealed highly heterogeneous prokaryotic communities in subterranean estuaries, indicating spatial variability in their role in nutrient transformation within these land-sea transition zones.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Laura Simon-Sanchez, Michael Grelaud, Claudia Lorenz, Jordi Garcia-Orellana, Alvise Vianello, Fan Liu, Jes Vollertsen, Patrizia Ziveri
Summary: The seafloor is a major sink for microplastic pollutants, but there is a lack of reliable data on the historical evolution of microplastic pollution. This study presents a high-resolution reconstruction of microplastic pollution in the NW Mediterranean Sea using a palaeoceanographic approach and advanced analytical methods. The fate and changes of microplastics in sediments are also investigated.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Limnology
Carmen Leiva-Duenas, Anna Elizabeth Lovgren Graversen, Gary T. T. Banta, Marianne Holmer, Pere Masque, Peter Anton Upadhyay Staehr, Dorte Krause-Jensen
Summary: This study assesses the sediment stocks and sequestration rates of organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) within Danish eelgrass meadows. The results showed that the sediment stocks of OC and N did not differ significantly between eelgrass meadows and unvegetated sediments, and their accumulation rates were influenced by sediment grain size, organic matter source, and hydrodynamic exposure.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ines Mazarrasa, Jordi Garcia-Orellana, Araceli Puente, Jose A. Juanes
Summary: The construction of engineering infrastructures in estuaries alters sedimentation patterns and affects the distribution and functions of estuarine habitats. However, the indirect impacts of these structures on adjacent habitats have been largely unexplored.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Correction
Ecology
Carmen B. de los Santos, Luis G. Egea, Marcio Martins, Rui Santos, Pere Masque, Gloria Peralta, Fernando G. Brun, Rocio Jimenez-Ramos
Article
Geography, Physical
David Vazquez-Loureiro, Alberto Saez, Vitor Goncalves, Teresa Buchaca, Armand Hernandez, Pedro M. Raposeiro, Erik J. de Boer, Pere Masque, Santiago Giralt, Roberto Bao
Summary: This study investigates the sediment records of two volcanic lakes located within the same caldera and finds that they responded differently to climate changes, influenced by volcanic eruptions and local environmental factors.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vanessa Hatje, Margareth Copertino, Vinicius F. F. Patire, Ximena Ovando, Josiah Ogbuka, Beverly J. J. Johnson, Hilary Kennedy, Pere Masque, Joel C. C. Creed
Summary: Mangrove, seagrass, and saltmarsh ecosystems in the coastal Southwestern Atlantic store 0.4 Pg of organic carbon and annually sequester 0.5 to 3.9 Tg yr(-1) of organic carbon, indicating the importance of conserving these ecosystems to mitigate climate change, suggests a systematic review.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Daniel Cossa, Stephane Guedron, Marina Coquery, Antoni Calafat, Diana Zuniga, Spyros Stavrakakis, Olivier Radakovitch, Roselyne Buscail, Jordi Garcia-Orellana, Serge Heussner
Summary: The study reveals the transport and accumulation of mercury in the water column and abyssal sediments of the Eastern Mediterranean. Atmospheric deposition, including Saharan dust, is the main source of mercury, and lateral advection contributes to higher mercury fluxes in the mid-depth and near-bottom water layers. In the deep sediment, mercury concentrations are relatively low, but localized high concentrations are observed due to organic matter preservation. Historical accumulation rates of mercury show an increase during the late Iron Age, the Roman period, and the Industrial Era.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brigid Carr, Pere Masque, Carlos M. Alonso-Hernandez, David Huertas, Philippe Bersuder, Imma Tolosa
Summary: This study analyzed sediment from Cienfuegos Bay, Cuba to examine the occurrence of organic pollutants from 1990 to 2015. The results showed the presence of regulated contaminants such as PCBs, OCPs, and PBDEs, with a decline in PCB contamination since 2007. Emerging contaminants, including PAEs, OPEs, and aHFRs, showed sharp increases, possibly due to the growing global usage of flame retardants and plasticizer additives. Local sources, such as a plastic recycling plant and urban waste outfalls, may contribute to these trends. Further research is needed to understand the influx of these emerging contaminants.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Allen June Buenavista, Chuan Wang, Yueqing Xie, Benjamin Gilfredder, Sven Frei, Pere Masque, Grzegorz Skrzypek, Shawan Dogramaci, James L. McCallum
Summary: Quantifying water flux between surface water and groundwater is crucial for water balance determination, surface water quality control, and sustainable allocation of water resources. By analyzing variations in 222Rn activity in sediments, water flow and residence times can be inferred. This study emphasizes the importance of accounting for upward flows in predicting groundwater exchange with surface water bodies.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ines Mazarrasa, Joao M. Neto, Tjeerd J. Bouma, Tim Grandjean, Jordi Garcia-Orellana, Pere Masque, Maria Recio, Oscar Serrano, Araceli Puente, Jose A. Juanes
Summary: This study examines the variability in soil organic carbon storage and burial rates in intertidal estuarine habitats of the Atlantic European coast and its relationship to biotic and abiotic drivers. The results show higher soil organic carbon stocks in high-marsh communities compared to low-marsh communities, seagrass meadows, and tidal flats. The study also found that soil organic carbon stocks and burial rates decrease from inner to outer estuarine sections, reflecting the decrease in river influence.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sven Pallacks, Patrizia Ziveri, Ralf Schiebel, Hubert Vonhof, James W. B. Rae, Eloise Littley, Jordi Garcia-Orellana, Gerald Langer, Michael Grelaud, Belen Martrat
Summary: Anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions have various negative effects on the Mediterranean Sea, including ocean acidification, warming, and stratification. This study analyzes sediment cores from the Mediterranean Sea to investigate the response of planktic foraminifera to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The results show that carbon dioxide-induced reductions in size normalized weights of foraminifera are occurring across the basin, indicating ongoing marine biogenic calcification reductions.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)