loading page

Mangroves as a Source of Alkalinity and Dissolved Carbon to the Coastal Ocean: A Case Study from the Everglades National Park, Florida
  • +1
  • Gloria Maria Susanne Reithmaier,
  • David T. Ho,
  • Scott Johnston,
  • Damien Troy Maher
Gloria Maria Susanne Reithmaier
Southern Cross University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
David T. Ho
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Author Profile
Scott Johnston
Southern Cross University
Author Profile
Damien Troy Maher
Southern Cross University
Author Profile

Abstract

Most research evaluating the potential of mangroves as a sink for atmospheric carbon has focused on carbon burial. However, the few studies that have quantified lateral exchange of carbon and alkalinity indicate that the dissolved carbon and alkalinity export may be several-fold more important than burial. This study aims to investigate rates and drivers of alkalinity, dissolved carbon and greenhouse gas fluxes of the mangrove-dominated Shark River estuary located in the Everglades National Park in Florida, USA. Time series and spatial surveys were conducted to assess total alkalinity (TAlk), organic alkalinity (OAlk), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Dominant metabolic processes driving dissolved carbon and greenhouse gas dynamics varied along the estuarine salinity gradient. Dissolved carbon and greenhouse gas concentrations were strongly coupled to porewater input, which was examined using radon-222. Shark River was a source of CO2 (92 mmol/m2/d), CH4 (60 μmol/m2/d) and N2O (2 μmol/m2/d) to the atmosphere. Dissolved carbon export (DIC = 142 mmol/m2/d, DOC = 39 mmol/m2/d) was several-fold higher than burial (~28 mmol/m2/d) and represents an additional carbon sink. Furthermore, the estuary was a source of TAlk (97 mmol/m2/d, normalised to mangrove area) to the coastal ocean, potentially buffering coastal acidification. Organic alkalinity was also exported to the coastal ocean (1.9 mmol/m2/d, normalised to mangrove area). By integrating our results with previous studies, we argue that alkalinity, dissolved carbon and greenhouse gas fluxes should be considered in future blue carbon budgets.