Photosynthesis Of Aquatic Plants Research Articles

Optimizing Methylene Blue Dye Adsorption onto Liquid Natural Rubber-Based Hydrogel: Kinetics, Isotherms and Reusability

In recent years, notable advancements have taken place in the textile industry, particularly with the widespread use of synthetic dyes such as methylene blue (MB). However, the environmental impact of these dyes has raised significant concerns. Their potential to influence both chemical and biochemical demand poses risks, leading to potential disruptions in aquatic plant photosynthesis. Additionally, concerns exist regarding the toxicity and potential carcinogenicity of these dyes to humans. This study achieved successful hydrogel synthesis through the efficient utilization of ultrasonic methods, combining liquid natural rubber (LNR), acrylic acid (AAc), and pectin (Pc) to adsorb MB from aqueous solutions. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyze the structure. Utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the study investigated the effects of the AAc:LNR weight ratio and Pc weight on hydrogel preparation for MB removal. This led to the development of a quadratic polynomial model with an ANOVA-derived R2 value of 0.9970. Optimal conditions for hydrogel production were identified as a 3.00 g/g AAc:LNR weight ratio and 0.0325g of Pc, resulting in an impressive 99.07% MB removal effectiveness. The limit of detection (LOD) for methylene blue adsorption was calculated at 0.64 ppm. The kinetics and isotherms of MB removal were described by the pseudo-second-order and Freundlich models, respectively. Furthermore, the investigation into hydrogel reusability demonstrated its capability for up to five utilization cycles. The LNR/AAc/Pc hydrogel exhibits promising potential as an effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally conscious adsorbent for MB removal. This makes it applicable to water treatment scenarios involving cationic dyes.

Light and temperature controls of aquatic plant photosynthesis downstream of a hydropower plant and the effect of plant removal

Many rivers worldwide are regulated, and the altered hydrology can lead to mass development of aquatic plants. Plant invasions are often seen as a nuisance for human activities leading to costly remedial actions with uncertain implications for aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Mechanical harvesting is often used to remove aquatic plants and knowledge of plant growth rate could improve management decisions. Here, we used a simple light-temperature theoretical model to make a priori prediction of aquatic plant photosynthesis. These predictions were assessed through an open-channel diel change in O2 mass balance approach. A Michaelis-Menten type model was fitted to observed gross primary production (GPP) standardised at 10 °C using a temperature dependence from thermodynamic theory of enzyme kinetics. The model explained 87 % of the variability in GPP of a submerged aquatic plant (Juncus bulbosus L.) throughout an annual cycle in the River Otra, Norway. The annual net plant production was about 2.4 (1.0–3.8) times the standing biomass of J. bulbosus. This suggests a high continuous mass loss due to hydraulic stress and natural mechanical breakage of stems, as the biomass of J. bulbosus remained relatively constant throughout the year. J. bulbosus was predicted to be resilient to mechanical harvesting with photosynthetic capacity recovered within two years following 50–85 % plant removal. The predicted recovery was confirmed through a field experiment where 72 % of J. bulbosus biomass was mechanically removed. We emphasise the value of using a theoretical approach, like metabolic theory, over statistical models where a posteriori results are not always easy to interpret. Finally, the ability to predict ecosystem resilience of aquatic photosynthesis in response to varying management scenarios offers a valuable tool for estimating aquatic ecosystem services, such as carbon regulation. This tool can benefit the EU Biodiversity Strategy and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Effect of Light Intensity on Photosynthesis in Aquatic Plants in Australia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the Effect of Light Intensity on Photosynthesis in Aquatic Plants in Australia.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library
 Findings: In the study examining the impact of light intensity on photosynthesis in Australian aquatic plants, key findings emerged. It was evident that light intensity played a crucial role, with higher light levels in shallower waters leading to increased photosynthesis rates. This underscored the significance of light as a primary determinant of photosynthesis in these ecosystems. Additionally, the study highlighted the impressive adaptability of Australian aquatic plants, some of which employed unique photo protective mechanisms to prevent photo inhibition under varying light conditions.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of Liebig's Law of the Minimum, Theory of The Beer-Lambert Law and Optimal Foraging Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the Effect of Light Intensity on Photosynthesis in Aquatic Plants in Australia. Develop practical guidelines for growers to optimize light conditions for maximum photosynthetic efficiency. Advocate for policies that recognize the significance of aquatic plants in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Promote the conservation and restoration of natural habitats for aquatic plants, especially in areas threatened by pollution or habitat destruction.

Estimation of ecosystem respiration and photosynthesis in supersaturated stream water downstream of a hydropower plant

The estimation of whole stream metabolism, as determined by photosynthesis and respiration, is critical to our understanding of carbon cycling and carbon subsidies to aquatic food-webs. The mass development of aquatic plants is a worldwide problem for human activities and often occurs in regulated rivers, altering biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Hydropower plants supersaturate water with gases and prevent the use of common whole stream metabolism models to estimate ecosystem respiration. Here we used the inert noble gas argon to parse out biological from physical processes in stream metabolism calculations. We coupled the O2:Ar ratio determined by gas chromatography in grab samples with in-situ oxygen concentrations measured by an optode to estimate aquatic plant photosynthesis and ecosystem respiration during supersaturation events through a parsimonious approach. The results compared well with a more complicated two-station model based on O2 mass balances in non-supersatured water, and with associated changes in dissolved CO2 (or dissolved inorganic carbon). This new method provides an independent approach to evaluate alternative corrections of dissolved oxygen data (e.g. through the use of total dissolved gases) in long term studies. The use of photosynthesis-irradiance models allows the determination of light parameters such as the onset of light saturation or low light use efficiency, which could be used for inverse modelling. The use of the O2:Ar approach to correct for oversaturation may become more applicable with the emergence of portable mass inlet mass spectrometers (MIMS). Photosynthesis was modest (2.9-5.8 g O2 m2 day−1) compared to other rivers with submerged vegetation, likely indicating nutrient co-limitations (CO2, inorganic N and P). Respiration was very low (-2.1 to -3.9 g O2 m2 day−1) likely due to a lack of allochthonous carbon supply and sandy sediment.

Education for Sustainability: Innovative Teaching on Photosynthesis of Aquatic Plants in Ecological Context

Education for Sustainability: Innovative Teaching on Photosynthesis of Aquatic Plants in Ecological Context

Retrieval of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in the Arabian Gulf water of arid region by Sentinel-2 data

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in water increases temperature and turbidity, limits the photosynthesis of aquatic plants, and reduces biologically available oxygen. It is important to study SSC in the coastal waters of the Arabian Gulf. Thus, this study mapped the SSC of coastal water between Al Arish and Al Ghariyah in northern Qatar using the spectral bands of the MultiSpectral Imager (MSI) of Sentinel-2 by calculating the Normalized Difference Suspended Sediment Index and Normalized Suspended Material Index. The results are studied using the Normalized Difference Turbidity Index and Modified Normalized Difference Water Index. The mapping of SSC in the water using NDSSI showed the presence of a high concentration of suspended sediments between Al Arish and Al Mafjar and a low concentration between Al Mafjar and Al Ghariyah. The mapping of NSMI showed values between 0.012 (clear water) and 0.430 (more suspended material) for the occurrence of suspended materials and supported the results of NDSSI. The study of turbidity using an NDTI image showed turbidity index values ranging from −0.44 (clear water) to 0.12 (high turbidity) and confirmed the occurrence and distribution of suspended sediments and materials in the water. The MNDWI image was able to discriminate clear water with bright pixels from silty sand and mud flats. The relationships between NDSSI, NSMI, and NDTI were correlated with in-situ measurements and studied to find suitable indices to map SSC. Regression analyses showed the strongest relationship between NSMI and NDTI (R2 = 0.95) next to NDSSI and NDTI, where NDTI had the strongest effect on NDSSI (R2 = 0.86). The satellite data results were evaluated by studying the physical parameters and spatial distribution of suspended sediments in the surface and bottom waters. In addition, the grain size distributions, mineral identification, and chemical element concentrations in the bottom sediment samples were studied.

The Mechanisms Controlling the CO2 Outgassing of a Karst Spring–River–Lake Continuum: Evidence from Baotuquan Spring Drainage Area, Jinan City, Northern China

The significance of CO2 emissions at the water–air interface from inland water bodies in the global carbon cycle has been recognized and is being studied more and more. Although it is important to accurately assess CO2 emission flux in a catchment, little research has been carried out to investigate the spatio-temporal variations in CO2 emissions in view of a water continuum. Here, we systematically compared the differences and control factors of CO2 degassing across the water–air interface of a spring–river–lake continuum in the discharge area of Baotuquan Spring in July 2017, which is a typical temperate karst spring area in Jinan city, northern China, using hydrogeochemical parameters, stable carbon isotope values, and CO2 degassing flux. Affected by the pCO2 concentration gradient between the water and ambient air, the spring water showed a high CO2 degassing flux (166.19 ± 91.91 mmol/(m2 d)). After the spring outlet, the CO2 degassing flux in the spring-fed river showed a slight increase (181.05 ± 155.61 mmol/(m2 d)) due to river flow rate disturbance. The river flow rate was significantly reduced by the “blockage” of the lake, which promoted the survival and reproduction of phytoplankton and provided favorable conditions for aquatic plant photosynthesis, increasing the plankton biomass in the lake to 3383.79 × 104/L. In addition, the significant decrease in the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and the increase in the δ13CDIC values in the lake also indicated that the photosynthesis of the lake’s aquatic plants resulted in a significant decrease in the pCO2 concentration, thus limiting the amount of CO2 off-gassing (90.56 ± 55.03 mmol/(m2 d)).

Joint toxicity mechanisms of perfluorooctanoic acid and sulfadiazine on submerged macrophytes and periphytic biofilms

Hazardous chemicals, such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and antibiotics, coexist in aquatic environments and pose a severe threat to aquatic organisms. However, research into the toxicity of these pollutants on submerged macrophytes and their periphyton is still limited. To assess their combined toxicity, Vallisneria natans (V. natans) was exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and sulfadiazine (SD) at environmental concentrations. Photosynthetic parameters such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids were lower in the SD exposure group, indicating that SD had a significant effect on the photosynthesis of aquatic plants. Single and combined exposures effectively induced antioxidant responses, with increases in superoxide dismutase, peroxidase activities, and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase concentrations, as well as malondialdehyde content. Accordingly, antagonistic toxicity was assessed between PFOA and SD. Furthermore, metabolomics revealed that V. natans improved stress tolerance through changes in enoic acid, palmitic acid, and palmitoleoyloxymyristic acid related to the fatty acid metabolism pathway responding to the coexisting pollutants. Additionally, PFOA and SD in combination induced more effects on the microbial community of biofilm. The alternation of α- and β-D-glucopyranose polysaccharides and the increased content of autoinducer peptides and N-acylated homoserine lactones indicated that PFOA and SD changed the structure and function of biofilm. These investigations provide a broader perspective and comprehensive analysis of the responses of aquatic plants and periphyton biofilms to PFAS and antibiotics in the environment.

Unraveling the toxicity of tire wear contamination in three freshwater species: From chemical mixture to nanoparticles

Tire wear particle (TWP) contamination is of growing concern as recent studies show the ubiquity and toxicity of this contaminant in various environmental compartments. The multidimensional aspect of TWPs makes it difficult to assess toxicity and predict impacts on ecosystems, as it combines a complex mixture of chemicals and can release micro- and nanoparticles when suspended in water. Our work aimed to shed light on the toxicity of the different components of TWP leachate, namely, the dissolved chemicals and the nanoparticle fractions, on three freshwater model species of different trophic levels: Chlorella vulgaris, Lemna minor, and Daphnia magna. Acute toxicity was observed for all three fractions in D. magna, and an additive effect was observed between the nanoparticles and dissolved chemicals. L. minor experienced phytotoxicity from the dissolved chemicals only with a decrease up to 50% in photosynthesis efficiency parameters. C. vulgaris showed minor signs of toxicity on apical endpoints in response to each of the fractions. Our study highlights that nanoparticles from TWP leachate that were mostly overlooked in several previous studies are as toxic as dissolved chemicals for the filter-feeder species D. magna, and we also show the toxicity to photosynthesis in aquatic plants.

Modified Beaded Materials from Recycled Wastes of Bagasse and Bagasse Fly Ash with Iron(III) Oxide-Hydroxide and Zinc Oxide for the Removal of Reactive Blue 4 Dye in Aqueous Solution.

Dye contamination in wastewater affects the photosynthesis of aquatic plants and algae by blocking the sunlight, and it induces toxicity to aquatic organisms, which might result in human health effects. Thus, the treatment of dyes in wastewater is required before discharging into the receiving water for safety purposes. Six dye adsorbent materials bagasse beads (BB), bagasse fly ash beads (BFB), bagasse beads with mixed iron(III) oxide-hydroxide (BBF), bagasse fly ash beads with mixed iron(III) oxide-hydroxide (BFBF), bagasse beads with mixed zinc oxide (BBZ), and bagasse fly ash beads with mixed zinc oxide (BFBZ) were synthesized and investigated using various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy with focused ion beam (FESEM-FIB), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A series of batch experiments on the effects of dosage (0.5–3 g), contact time (3–18 h), temperature (30–80°C), pH (3–11), and initial concentration (30–90 mg/L) were used to investigate reactive blue 4 (RB4) dye removal efficiencies in aqueous solution, and their adsorption isotherms and kinetics were studied for explaining their adsorption patterns and mechanisms. All dye adsorbent materials demonstrated semicrystalline structures, and their surface morphologies had a spherical shape with coarse surfaces. Five main elements of oxygen, carbon, calcium, chlorine, and sodium and six main functional groups of alcohol and carboxylic acid (O–H), carbon dioxide (O=C=O), aromatic groups (C=O and N=O), alkene (C–H), and sodium alginate (C–O–C) were detected in all dye adsorbent materials. For batch tests, they could remove RB4 dye by more than 90%, and BFBF exhibited the highest RB4 dye removal efficiency at 99.36%. Freundlich and pseudo-second-order kinetic models well explained their adsorption patterns and mechanisms, in which BFBF demonstrated a higher maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 10.277 mg/g than that of other dye adsorbent materials. Therefore, all dye adsorbent materials offer good potential for further industrial applications.

Temporal and Spatial Variation Characteristics of Methane, Carbon Dioxide, and Nitrous Oxide Concentrations and the Influencing Factors in Small Aquaculture Pond

As an important source of greenhouse gases, the changes in greenhouse gas concentrations of aquaculture ponds are not only the basis for accurate quantification of greenhouse gases emissions but are also important for identifying their influencing factors. The spatial and temporal variation characteristics of CH4, CO2, and N2O concentrations and the influencing factors in a typical small aquaculture pond in the Yangtze River Delta were analyzed based on the headspace equilibrium-gas chromatograph method. Except in spring, the concentrations of CH4, and N2O appeared high at noon or afternoon and were influenced by water temperature. Impacted by water temperature and aquatic plant photosynthesis, the concentrations of CO2 were high in the morning when photosynthesis was weak. The concentrations of CH4 and CO2 were the highest in autumn and the lowest in winter. The mean concentrations of CH4 in autumn and winter were 176.34 nmol·L-1 and 32.75 nmol·L-1, respectively, which were mainly affected by air temperature, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen. The average CO2 concentrations in autumn and winter were 134.37 μmol·L-1 and 23.10 μmol·L-1, respectively, and were mainly affected by aquatic vegetation photosynthesis and pH. N2O concentration was the highest in summer and the lowest in winter, with mean values of 97.05 nmol·L-1 and 19.41 nmol·L-1, respectively, which were mainly affected by air temperature and water temperature. In terms of the vertical spatial variations of the three greenhouse gases, the concentration of CH4decreased with water depth in summer, and the concentration differences between the surface layer and the bottom and middle layers were 71.28 nmol·L-1 and 42.80 nmol·L-1, respectively. The concentration of CH4 increased with water depth in autumn, and the concentration difference between the bottom layer and surface layer was 163.94 nmol·L-1. The CO2 concentration increased with water depth in summer and autumn. The concentration differences between the bottom and surface concentrations were 18.69 μmol·L-1 and 29.90 μmol·L-1, respectively. N2O concentration showed no obvious change in the vertical direction. For the horizontal variations, the concentrations of CH4, CO2, and N2O in the feeding area in summer and in chicken manure in spring were approximately 1.34-1.98 times and 1.95-2.42 times those in other areas, respectively, and the concentrations of N2O and CO2 in spring and summer were approximately 1.13-1.26 times and 1.39-1.74 times those in other areas.

Economical Mechanical Aeration Method in High-Density Aquaculture

Jiang, J.; Qiao, Z.; Zhu, Z.; Huan, J.; Shi, B., and Huan, Z., 2020. Economical mechanical aeration method in high-density aquaculture. In: Hu, C. and Cai, M. (eds.), Geo-informatics and Oceanography. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 105, pp. 81–83. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Mechanical aeration is by far the most common and effective means of increasing DO concentrations in aquaculture. Because of the high efficiency, easy installation, and slightly lower price, the impeller aerator market share was more than 80% in China. The power of Biofan is only tens of watts, but it can enable a wide range of pond water circulation. Through photosynthesis of aquatic plants, the DO concentration in surface water increases rapidly on sunny days, and it can make the whole pond water rich in oxygen. It is far more efficient than other mechanical aerators on clear days, but it cannot play the role of emergency aeration, especially on rainy days or at night. Therefore, it must be used with other mechanical aerators. To give full play to their respective advantages, Biofan and impeller aerator compound applications are adopted. The compound aeration mode saved about 30% of the electric energy compared with the single aeration mode.

Energy-efficient Mechanical Aeration System in Aquaculture

Mechanical aeration is by far the most common and effective means of increasing DO concentrations in ponds. Impeller aerators, paddle wheel aerators and propeller aerators are probably the main traditional mechanical aerators. Due to high efficiency, easy installation and slightly lower price, impeller aerator market share is more than 80% in China. But its working noise is relatively large. Biofan’s power is only tens of watts, but it can enable a wide range of pond water circulation. Through photosynthesis of aquatic plants, DO concentration in surface water increased rapidly on sunny days and it can make the whole pond water rich in oxygen. It’s far more efficient than other mechanical aerators on clear days. But it can’t play the role of emergency aeration, especially on rainy days or at night. Therefore, it must be used with other mechanical aerators. Six 0.4-ha ponds were stocked with high-density of 4 perches/m2. Each of them was equipped with automated DO concentration data acquisition devices. Three of them were each equipped with an impeller aerator. An impeller aerator and a Biofan were configured to rest every pond and these ponds water was aerated in multi-aeration mode. Impeller aerators(3kW) were automatically activated when DO fell to 4.5mg/l and ceased when DO rose to 5.5mg/l. Biofans were automatically ceased when impeller aerator worked and activated when impeller aerator stopped. Experiments found that the survival rate and yield of fish in single aeration mode were slightly lower than those in multi-aeration mode. Net income and yields per kWh increased significantly in multi-aeration mode.

Controlling Factors of Surface Water Ionic Composition Characteristics in the Lake Genggahai Catchment, NE Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China

This study has determined the major ion compositions of surface waters within the basin of Lake Genggahai, northeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China. The results showed that the anions in the groundwater and river water of Genggahai Lake are mainly HCO3−, and the cations are mainly Ca2+ + Na+. Evaporite, carbonate, and silicate in the basin all have an impact on the chemical composition of river water and groundwater. Among them, carbonate weathering has a relatively larger contribution. The grazing activities of herdsmen in the basin have had a certain degree of impact on the water quality of river basins and groundwater. The anion of lake water is dominated by Cl−, and the cation is mainly Na+. The content change is mainly affected by the change of corresponding ion content in groundwater coming into the lake and the evaporation of lake water. Among them, Cl− in lake water is more affected by the change of Cl− content in the groundwater coming into the lake, while Na+ in lake water is more affected by evaporation. More specifically, the low concentrations of Ca2+ and HCO3− in lake water were determined to be related to the photosynthesis of aquatic plants in the lake.

Biochemical characterization and 16s rRNA sequencing of different bacteria from textile dye effluents

Environmental pollution has been identified as a major problem in the modern world. Dyeing effluents have become a vital source of water pollution. Release of coloured textile effluents is undesirable in the aquatic environment as they reduce light penetration, thereby affecting aquatic life and limits utilization of the water media. In Tirupur, the textile factories discharge millions of litres of untreated effluents into the drains that eventually empty into river, Noyyal. The release of coloured compound into water bodies is undesirable not only because of their impact on photosynthesis of aquatic plants but also due to the carcinogenic nature of these dyes and their breakdown products. The ability of bacterial strains isolated from the dye effluent of textile mill sites. Morphological and biochemical characterization was done to identify isolates and was found to be Pseudomonas spp, Bacillus spp and Serattia spp. The isolated strains were finally identified by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Bacteria are generally identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. The rRNA is the most conserved (least variable) gene in all cells. They were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Serattia liquefaciens. The sequences were deposited in GENBANK. The accession numbers were KU041528, KU041530 and KU041531 respectively. The identification was conformed by 16S rRNA sequencing.
 Keywords: Textile Dye Effluents, Bacteria, 16S rRNA, NCBI.

Fate and Origin of Major Ions in River Water in the Lhasa River Basin, Tibet

In order to understand the temporal and spatial variations of major ions in water and their sources in the Lhasa River Basin, water samples were collected monthly at the hydrological station in the Lhasa River from August 2014 to July. The results show that HCO3- is the dominant anion in the water of the Lhasa River, which accounts for 68.73% of the anions, followed by SO42-. Ca2+ is the dominant cation, which accounts for 67.75% of the cations, followed by Mg2+. The pH values of the river water range between 8.31 and 8.90, with a mean of 8.59 throughout the year, generally showing alkaline water. The highest pH values occur in summer, which is probably due to the photosynthesis of aquatic plants and the growth of phytoplankton. Electrical conductivity (EC) varies between 155.0 and 257.0 μS·cm-1, with a mean of 210.5 μS·cm-1. Because of the frequent uplift of the Tibetan Plateau that enhanced the mechanical weathering of rocks and mineral dissolution, the total dissolved solid (TDS) concentration, at an average of 181.35 mg·L-1, is significantly higher than the average value of rivers around the world. The Lhasa River is recharged by surface runoff, so the concentrations of major ions in water are higher during winter, but lower in summer. An ion source analysis indicates that Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3- are mainly derived from chemical weathering of carbonate minerals, Cl-, SO42-, and NO3- are mainly affected by precipitation and rock weathering. Furthermore, the concentrations of major ions in the water have a negative correlation with the river discharge rate, which suggests there might be a dilution effect occurring during the rainy season.

Influence of Aquatic Plant Photosynthesis on the Reservoir Effect of Genggahai Lake, Northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

AbstractTerrestrial plant remains in the sediments of lakes from semi-arid and arid regions are rare and therefore the establishment of a sediment chronology depends on accurate assessment of the reservoir effect of the lake water. In a study of Genggahai Lake in the Gonghe Basin, northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, we used accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) dating to determine the age of (1) dissolved inorganic carbon in the water (DICLW), (2) macrophyte remains in the uppermost samples of core sediments, (3) living P. pectinatus in the lake, and (4) dissolved inorganic carbon of spring water in the catchment. The results show that the ages of the DICLW (910 14C yr BP on average) were much younger than the ages of the groundwater (6330 14C yr BP on average), which may result mainly from CO2 exchange between the lake water and the atmosphere. In addition, the 14C ages of DICLW and macrophyte remains in the uppermost core sediments varied from site to site within the lake, which we ascribe to the different photosynthesis rates of Chara spp. and vascular plants. The higher photosynthesis rate of Chara spp. decreases lake-water pCO2, which leads to more atmospheric CO2 being absorbed by the lake water, and thereby greatly reducing the age of carbon species in areas dominated by Chara spp. Although Genggahai Lake is well mixed, the differences between the apparent ages of the lake water are significantly modulated by the photosynthesis intensity of submerged plants.

Acoustic effects during photosynthesis of aquatic plants enable new research opportunities

Measurements of photosynthetic processes in hydrophytes mostly involve photosynthometers, which capture the escaping gas for subsequent analysis The most common method to detect changes in the rate of photosynthetic processes is to count the series of escaping gas bubbles. The emerging bubbles are either simply counted or they are recorded using light barriers, which is very difficult because of their small size and often varying ascent rate. The gas bubbles generated during photosynthesis by aquatic plants produce distinctive sound pulses when leaving the plants. These acoustic side effects enable completely new and highly accurate measurements. The frequency and reaction time changes of the pulses caused by external influences are therefore accurately detectable. The precise time measurements enable registering and evaluating the curves as reactions to changes in physical or chemical environmental conditions. We show that such acoustic analyses open completely new research opportunities for plant physiology.

Temporal and Spatial Variations of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon and Its Stable Isotopic Composition in the Surface Stream of Karst Groundwater Recharge

Stable carbon isotope of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC), which is mainly constituted by HCO3- in karst water, is widely used to trace the different sources and influential factors of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). In order to understand the distribution of DIC and δ13CDIC in subtropical karst area, this paper researched the water chemistry and δ13CDIC in a karst surface stream in detail, which is fed by Guancun subterranean stream in Liuzhou City, Guangxi Province, in the southwest of China. The results showed that the contents of DIC in subterranean stream outlet (G1 site) ranged from 4.60 to 4.90 mmol·L-1 with an average of 4.73 mmol·L-1 in dry season, and from 2.80 to 4.70 mmol·L-1 with an average of 4.23 mmol·L-1 in rainy season. The contents of DIC in 1.35 km downstream site (G2 site) ranged from 4.30 to 4.90 mmol·L-1 with an average of 4.56 mmol·L-1 in dry season, and from 3.00 to 4.70 mmol·L-1 with an average of 4.20 mmol·L-1 in rainy season. The δ13CDIC of subterranean stream outlet (G1 site) varied from -12.8‰ to -11.53‰ with an average of -12.22‰ in dry season, and from -13.12‰ to -11.01‰ with an average of -12.28‰ in rainy season. The δ13CDIC of stream downstream site (G2 site) ranged from -11.71‰ to -9.55‰ with an average of -10.73‰ in dry season, and ranged from -12.18‰ to -9.85‰ with an average of -11.10‰ in rainy season. The contents of DIC of G1 site were higher than those of G2 site. The DIC contents in dry season in both G1 and G2 site were higher than those in rainy season. The values of δ13CDICof G1 and G2 site in dry season were more positive than those in rainy season. The δ13CDICvalue of G1 site was more negative than that of G2 site. The main sources of DIC in underground river and surface stream were soil CO2and carbonate dissolution. However, the differences of DIC and δ13CDICbetween G1 and G2 site showed that CO2degassing and photosynthesis of aquatic plants had significant influence on water DIC and δ13CDIC value. This study is helpful to understand the dynamic change and distribution of DIC and δ13CDIC in karst surface stream.

Diel cycling and flux of HCO3− in a typical karst spring-fed stream of southwestern China

We investigated the diel variations of the dissolved inorganic carbon, isotopic composition, and partial CO2 pressure from a karst spring (Guangcun Village, Guangxi, Southwest China) to the 1,350 m downstream profile of the stream. In addition, the carbon loss and CO2 exchange flux at the water-gas interface were also estimated. The results showed that the pH value and DO in the stream varied regularly on a daily basis with the temperature of stream water, suggesting that the photosynthesis of aquatic plants and algae is the controlling factor for the diel variations of the pH and DO. During the monitoring period, while the DIC (mainly in HCO3−) input (at spring) was relatively stable at about 4.46 mmol L−1, the concentrations of HCO3− and Ca2+ at downstream showed a diel cycle of daytime decrease and nighttime increase, with an amplitude of 22.4 %. We also found out that the CO2 degassing mainly occurred in the upper reach of the surface stream right after groundwater is exposed to the surface. The total CO2 exchange flux of the entire monitoring stream section was calculated to be 29.83 kg d−1, accounting for 17.8 % of the DIC loss, which means that approximately 4/5 of the loss was converted into organic carbon or calcite precipitation. Compared with the total carbon input at spring, this carbon loss only accounts for 6.5 % of the total carbon amount (1.4 % of which was converted into organic carbon and 1.1 % of which was degassed to the atmosphere), indicating that the DIC of karst groundwater in low order surface stream of Guancun is stable in general, with 1 % being lost to the atmosphere. This suggests that on a daily timescale, carbon loss in the form of CO2 of low order karst streams with lower gradient is much less pronounced. Key words: inorganic carbon cycle, spring-fed stream, aquatic vegetation photosynthesis, CO2 degassing, inorganic carbon flux, karst.