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

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.2012.57.1.0185
• Publication Date: 2011-12-19T20:24:34Z
• Authors: Hang Gao; Maciej Matyka; Bo Liu; Arzhang Khalili; Joel E. Kostka; Gavin Collins; Stefan Jansen; Moritz Holtappels; Marlene M. Jensen; Thomas H. Badewien; Melanie Beck; Maik Grunwald; Dirk de Beer; Gaute Lavik; Marcel M. M. Kuypers
• Keywords: Sink (geography)

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