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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
In-situ measurements reveal alkalinity release from cold-temperate seagrass meadows
Estuarine, coastal and shelf science, Vol.326, pp.1-9
11/2025
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Abstract
Understanding the carbon sequestration potential of blue carbon ecosystems is important to inform climate policies and to guide restoration and protection efforts. Alkalinity generation is an often overlooked carbon sequestration mechanism, especially in seagrass meadows. Here, we quantified total alkalinity (TA) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) fluxes in two cold-temperate Zostera marina seagrass meadows in Sweden using 24-h in-situ chamber incubations at the end of the high-productivity season. The seagrass meadows were similar net sources of TA (16 ± 45 mmol m− 2 d− 1 in Smalsund, 17 ± 16 mmol m− 2 d− 1 in Bokevik), whereas DIC fluxes were highly variable (34 ± 59 mmol m− 2 d− 1 in Smalsund, − 43 ± 35 mmol m− 2 d− 1 in Bokevik). Fluxes followed a diurnal cycle consistent with photosynthesis-respiration cycles. As a result, seagrass meadows ameliorated ocean acidification locally during the day, but not during the night. The large CO2 uptake provided higher buffering levels compared to mangroves and saltmarshes. The TA fluxes were comparable to those reported for Mediterranean and tropical seagrass meadows, but 16-times lower than in mangrove forests and 5-times lower than in saltmarshes. Alkalinity generation in these cold-temperate seagrasses exceeded soil organic carbon stocks accumulation by fourfold, potentially contributing to their carbon sequestration potential and warranting inclusion in seagrass meadow carbon budgets.
Details
- Title
- In-situ measurements reveal alkalinity release from cold-temperate seagrass meadows
- Creators
- Samuel Scott-Askin - University of GothenburgIsaac R. Santos - University of GothenburgGerli Albert - School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, SwedenMaria E. Asplund - Stockholm UniversityDiana Deyanova - University of GothenburgSara C. Forsberg - School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, SwedenAurora M. Ricart - Institut de Ci`encies Del Mar (ICM-CSIC) (Spain, Barcelona)Martin Gullström - Södertörn UniversityMats Björk - Södertörn UniversityGloria M.S. Reithmaier - University of Gothenburg
- Publication Details
- Estuarine, coastal and shelf science, Vol.326, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Grant note
- This study was funded by the Swedish Research Council (2020-00457), Formas (2024-00337 and 2021-01280), and the foundation for Baltic and East European studies (Ostersjostiftelsen, 21-GP-0005).
- Identifiers
- 991013316121102368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Authors.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; National Marine Science Centre
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article