The role of the Belize River in localised coastal ocean acidification. 

Abstract

<p>The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world, is vitally important to the ecology and economy of Belize and neighbouring countries. Coral reefs are inherently vulnerable to ocean acidification and those exposed to significant riverine input may be under enhanced threat. In tropical rivers pCO<sub>2</sub> levels may be linked to land use in their catchment, with conversion of pristine forest to agricultural land potentially enhancing carbon flux to the coastal ocean. We investigated the effect the Belize River may have on the carbonate chemistry of surrounding coastal ocean, applying a multidisciplinary methodology. Water samples were collected and measured for: total alkalinity; dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC); and δ<sup>13</sup>C<sub>DIC</sub>; and were complemented by pH and pCO<sub>2</sub> data acquired from sensors mounted on an autonomous surface vehicle. Samples were collected from the source of the Belize river to the mouth and out past the barrier reef.  pCO<sub>2</sub> measuring >1000-µatm at the mouth of the Belize River suggests local high levels of respiration and low pH water being discharged into the coastal ocean. δ<sup>13</sup>C<sub>DIC</sub> samples were taken to identify terrestrial DIC signatures and used in combination with sensor data to identify potential controls on coastal pH. There was a distinct difference in δ<sup>13</sup>C<sub>DIC </sub>along the river with a range of 27 ‰ to - 13‰, while coastal δ<sup>13</sup>C<sub>DIC </sub>was heavier with a range of  -11.5‰ to 1.5 ‰. These results demonstrate the complexity of processes that control coastal ocean acidification, which has implications for coastal economies that are heavily dependent on healthy coral reefs as a resource.</p>