Estuarine acidification and minimum buffer zone—A conceptual study

• DOI: 10.1002/grl.51000
• Publication Date: 2013-10-12T02:02:22Z
• Authors: Xinping Hu; Wei‐Jun Cai
• Keywords: Biogeochemical Cycle; Ocean Acidification; Oxygen minimum zone

This study uses a simulation method to explore how estuarine pH is affected by mixing between river water, anthropogenic CO 2 enriched seawater, and respiration. Three rivers with different levels of weathering products (Amazon, Mississippi, St. Johns) are selected for this simulation. The results indicate that estuaries receive low moderate (Amazon exhibit maximum decrease in the midsalinity region as result intrusion. coincides previously unrecognized mid‐salinity minimum buffer zone (MBZ). In addition, water column oxygen consumption can further depress all simulated estuaries. We suggest recognition MBZs may be important studying calcifying organisms pH‐sensitive biogeochemical processes.