Abstract
Streams and rivers are key sources of nitrous oxide (N2O), which is a powerful greenhouse gas. Incomplete denitrification results in N2O production, which is controlled by nitrate (NO3−-N) and organic carbon (C) availability, as well as water temperature. Yet, few studies have experimentally isolated these drivers, especially in lotic systems. We used sediment core incubations conducted at 15 and 25 °C and membrane inlet mass spectrometry to understand how NO3−-N, C, and temperature influence N2O production rates and yields (as %) from sediment denitrification. In general, conditions that enhanced denitrification rates also increased N2O production. At both temperatures, we observed higher N2O production with added C, which was contrary to previous studies, and rates remained high across the NO3−-N gradient at 25 °C. Thus, as global temperatures warm and organic C availability increases in streams and rivers, N2O production from incomplete denitrification in alluvial plain riverine sediments will likely increase.
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The datasets generated during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Acknowledgements
This research was supported by a University of Notre Dame Graduate School Professional Development Award (GSPDA) and the Center for Environmental Science and Technology (CEST) Predoctoral Research Fellowship awarded to SLS. We thank Sam Testa and Aleesa Bryant of the USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Lab for their assistance in field campaigns and experimental incubations. We also thank Ursula Mahl, Abagael Pruitt, Abigail White, Ally Mars, and Jacob Fries for their assistance in laboratory efforts at the University of Notre Dame. All MIMS and DOC analyses were conducted at CEST at the University of Notre Dame.
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This study was supported by a University of Notre Dame Graduate School Professional Development Award and the Center for Environmental Science and Technology, University of Notre Dame.
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SLS lead the manuscript effort and developed the research questions. SLS, JLT, and JMT designed the study approach. SLS, JMT, and ALG carried out both field campaigns and the laboratory experiments. SLS analyzed all nutrient and dissolved gas samples. SLS wrote the original manuscript draft. JLT, JMT, and ALG reviewed and edited several manuscript drafts.
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Speir, S.L., Tank, J.L., Taylor, J.M. et al. Temperature and carbon availability interact to enhance nitrous oxide production via denitrification in alluvial plain river sediments. Biogeochemistry 165, 191–203 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-023-01074-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-023-01074-3