Intensive and extensive nitrogen loss from intertidal permeable sediments of the Wadden Sea

Hang Gao, Maciej Matyka, Bo Liu, Arzhang Khalili, Joel E. Kostka, Gavin Collins, Stefan Jansen, Moritz Holtappels, Marlene Mark Jensen, Thomas H. Badewien, Melanie Beck, Maik Grundwald, Dirk de Beer, Gaute Lavik, Marcel M. M. Kuypers

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) loss rates were determined in permeable sediments of the Wadden Sea using a combination of stable N isotope incubation experiments and model simulation approaches during three seasons. Three different incubation methods that employed the isotope pairing technique were used: intact core incubations simulating either (1) diffusive or (2) advective transport conditions and (3) slurry incubations. N loss rates from core incubations under simulated advective transport conditions exceeded those rates measured under diffusive transport conditions by 1–2 orders of magnitude, but were comparable to those observed in slurry incubations. N loss rates generally showed little seasonal and spatial variation (207 6 30 mmol m22 h21) in autumn 2006 and spring and summer 2007. Utilizing an extensive time series of nutrient concentrations and current velocities obtained from a continuous monitoring station, nitrate and nitrite (i.e., NO{x ) flux into the sediment was modeled over a full annual cycle. Fluxes were sufficient to support the experimentally derived N loss rates. Combining the measured rates with the modeled results, an annual N removal rate of 745 6 109 mmol N m22 yr21 was estimated for permeable sediments of the Wadden Sea. This rate agrees well with previous N loss estimates for the Wadden Sea based on N budget calculations. Permeable sediments, accounting for 58–70% of the continental shelf area, are an important N sink and their contribution to the global N loss budget should be reevaluated.
Original languageEnglish
JournalLimnology and Oceanography
Volume57
Issue number1185-198
ISSN0024-3590
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Intensive and extensive nitrogen loss from intertidal permeable sediments of the Wadden Sea'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this