Dissolved methane concentrations and fluxes to the atmosphere from a tropical floodplain lake

Abstract

Large uncertainties in estimates of methane (CH4) emissions from tropical inland waters reflect the paucity of information at appropriate temporal and spatial scales. CH4 concentrations, diffusive and ebullitive fluxes, and environmental parameters in contrasting aquatic habitats of Lake Janauaca, an Amazon floodplain lake, measured for two years revealed patterns in temporal and spatial variability related to different aquatic habitats and environmental conditions. CH4 concentrations ranged from below detection to 96 µM, CH4 diffusive fluxes from below detection to 2342 µmol m−2 h−1, and CH4 ebullitive fluxes from 0 to 190 mmol m−2 d−1. Vegetated aquatic habitats had higher surface CH4 concentrations than open water habitats, and no significant differences in diffusive CH4 fluxes, likely due to higher k values measured in open water habitats. CH4 emissions were enhanced after a prolonged low water period, when the exposed sediments were colonized by herbaceous plants that decomposed after water levels rose, possibly fueling CH4 production. Statistical models indicated the importance of variables related to CH4 production (temperature, dissolved organic carbon) and consumption (dissolved nitrogen, oxygenated water column), as well as maximum depth, in controlling surface water CH4 concentrations.