Abstract
Due to precipitation reduction, nutrient inputs into Lake Kinneret through Jordan river discharge declined. Nitrogen (N) supply into the Kinneret ecosystem is mostly external and that of Phosphorus (P) is partly internal and dust deposition. Therefore, decline of N and slight elevation of P concentrations occurred in the Kinneret Epilimnion. As a result, suppression of Peridinium biomass and enhancement of Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta and Diatoms were recorded. The Peridinium decline caused Primary Production (PP) reduction and although increased later, it accompanied the nano-plankton elevation. It is suggested that the PP enhancement is partly due to the natural photosynthetic capacity of nano-plankton and partly to global increase of atmospheric concentration of CO2. The suggestion of atmospheric CO2 increase and consequently PP, was supported by the pH (and obviously Alkalinity) increase. The enhancement of CO2 diffusion was an incentive factor which enhanced PP capacity.
Highlights
The well-known fate of CO2 in aquatic ecosystems was widely documented in freshwater and marine environments
The data of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) inputs through the Jordan River inflows were extrapolated from the respective decline of values presented in Table 1 & Table 2 and discharge decline (Figures 1-4). [6] documented mean Carbon concentrations in the Jordan River inputs ranging between 5.66 and 7.12 ppm (SD’s: 1.27 - 5.34 ppm)
Concentrations of DIC and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in freshwater ecosystems depend on many factors in addition to ecosystem metabolism, among others, gas exchange with the atmosphere and inputs in precipitation, ground and surface water [8]
Summary
The well-known fate of CO2 in aquatic ecosystems was widely documented in freshwater and marine environments. The pathways of CO2 and its derivatives are fundamental information widely known in limnological, marine, wetland and river/runoff ecosystems (Figure 1). The significant long-term increase of atmospheric greenhouse gases, including CO2, is undoubtedly accepted by the scientific community [1]. The study of atmospheric CO2 enhancement’s impact on the ecological trait of aquatic ecosystems was intensified recently (among others) [1] [2] [3] [4]. The Kinneret is indicated as hard water ecosystem with commonly > 8.0 pH caused by the release of the Hydroxyl ions as a result of CO2 dissolving. Photosynthesis causing pH elevation and respiration effect is the opposite of pH decline. The final result, in a natural ecosystem, includes the involvement of all components
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