Abstract
Changes in the hydrological conditions of coastal wetlands may potentially affect the role of wetlands in the methane (CH4) cycle. In this study, the CH4 production potential and emissions from restored coastal reed wetlands at different water levels were examined in eastern China at a field scale in two phenological seasons. Results showed that the total CH4 flux from reeds at various water levels were positive, indicating that they were “sources” of CH4. During the peak growing season, CH4 flux from reeds was greater than that during the spring thaw. CH4 flux from reeds in inundated conditions was greater than that in non-inundated conditions. The CH4 production potential during the peak growing season was far greater than that during the spring thaw. However, the effect of water level on wetland CH4 production potential differed among seasons. The correlations among CH4 production potential, soil properties and CH4 flux change at different water level. These results demonstrate that water level was related to CH4 production and CH4 flux. The growing season also plays a role in CH4 fluxes. Controlling the hydrological environment in restored wetlands has important implications for the maintenance of their function as carbon sinks.
Highlights
Wetlands are important ecosystems in the context of the global carbon cycle and are the single largest source of atmospheric methane (CH4) emissions [1]
Water level has a significant effect on CH4 emission flux
Changes in CH4 production potential and emission in soil at different depths were examined at various water levels in coastal reclamation areas with restored reed wetlands during different seasons
Summary
Wetlands are important ecosystems in the context of the global carbon cycle and are the single largest source of atmospheric methane (CH4) emissions [1]. The CH4 content of the atmosphere has increased by 0.8%–1.1% per year in recent years [2]. Wetlands account for 20% of global CH4 emissions to the atmosphere [3, 4]. CH4 emissions from wetlands are highly variable, both spatially and temporally and at microtopographic to regional scales [5]. CH4 emissions that occur in wetlands (natural and constructed) and aquatic ecosystems are the combined result of CH4 production, oxidation, and transportation [1, 6]. CH4 produced under anaerobic conditions is partly oxidized by methanotrophic bacteria within oxic zones.
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