Variability In Stable Isotopic Composition Research Articles

The δ18O and δ2H fingerprint of the Scioto River: A detailed look into seasonal and spatial variations in the context of Ohio rivers

The global expansion and increased intensity of the human footprint causes modification of natural freshwater systems, particularly in densely populated areas. This poses a challenge for society where the water systems that humans rely on for domestic, industrial, and agricultural water are also the most physically and chemically disturbed. There is an urgent need to study hydrologic processes in surface water systems that flow through human-altered landscapes to better manage freshwater resources. Stable water isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) can be used as natural tracers to study the hydrologic patterns of rivers as they flow through these agricultural and urban landscapes. In this work, we investigate the seasonal and spatial hydrologic patterns of the Scioto River in Ohio, USA by analyzing stable water isotopes. Samples were collected over the course of one year (2021) from five locations that transition from intense agriculture to the metropolitan area of Columbus, Ohio. Results show that the Scioto River isotopic composition reflects a dampened seasonal precipitation pattern, where δ18O and δ2H are enriched in summer and depleted in winter. Scioto River transect patterns show that there was greater variability in stable isotopic composition in the upstream, agricultural reaches of the river. As the river flowed through the metropolitan Columbus area two “river-like” reservoirs generated isotopic homogenization along the Scioto without inducing isotopic enrichment, which is commonly observed from evaporation in river-reservoir systems. The Scioto River was put in context with other major Ohio river systems, to show the variability across the state. Isotopic composition differences among and within river systems across the state were induced by a combination of different environmental factors, like precipitation and river baseflow contribution. They were further affected by humans through land use modification and the constructions of dams and reservoirs. Overall, this study underlines the influence that urbanization and intensive agriculture have on rivers. In the context of the current hydrologic changes induced by climate change, this work emphasizes the importance of studying urban river hydrology in the context of joint climatic and human influences.

Methane in West Siberia terrestrial seeps: Origin, transport, and metabolic pathways of production.

The expansive plains of West Siberia contain globally significant carbon stocks, with Earth's most extensive peatland complex overlying the world's largest-known hydrocarbon basin. Numerous terrestrial methane seeps have recently been discovered on this landscape, located along the floodplains of the Ob and Irtysh Rivers in hotspots covering more than 2500 km2 . We articulated three hypotheses to explain the origin and migration pathways of methane within these seeps: (H1) uplift of Cretaceous-aged methane from deep petroleum reservoirs along faults and fractures, (H2) release of Oligocene-aged methane capped or trapped by degrading permafrost, and (H3) horizontal migration of Holocene-aged methane from surrounding peatlands. We tested these hypotheses using a range of geochemical tools on gas and water samples extracted from seeps, peatlands, and aquifers across the 120,000 km2 study area. Seep-gas composition, radiocarbon age, and stable isotope fingerprints favor the peatland hypothesis of seep-methane origin (H3). Organic matter in raised bogs is the primary source of seep methane, but observed variability in stable isotope composition and concentration suggest production in two divergent biogeochemical settings that support distinct metabolic pathways of methanogenesis. Comparison of these parameters in raised bogs and seeps indicates that the first is bogs, via CO2 reduction methanogenesis. The second setting is likely groundwater, where dissolved organic carbon from bogs is degraded via chemolithotrophic acetogenesis followed by acetate fermentation methanogenesis. Our findings highlight the importance of methane lateral migration in West Siberia's bog-dominated landscapes via intimate groundwater connections. The same phenomenon could occur in similar landscapes across the boreal-taiga biome, thereby making groundwater-fed rivers and springs potent methane sources.

Isotopic composition of precipitation in Poland: a 44-year record

Isotopic composition of precipitation (2H/1H and 18O/16O isotope ratios, tritium content) is nowadays widely used in numerous applications of environmental isotopes—most notably in hydrology, climatology and biogeochemistry. Here we present a long record (44 years) of stable isotope composition and tritium content in monthly precipitation available for the Krakow station (southern Poland). Krakow is the only site in Poland for which long-term record of the isotopic composition of monthly precipitation is available. The tritium data are discussed here in the context of generally declining levels of bomb tritium in the global atmosphere and growing influence of technogenic emissions of this isotope. Two aspects of temporal variability of stable isotope composition of precipitation collected in Krakow are discussed here: (i) seasonality and (ii) interannual changes of δ18O and δ2H signal. Whereas the seasonality of stable isotope signal is generated mainly by seasonally varying the degree of rainout of air masses bringing moisture from the source regions (subtropical Atlantic Ocean) to the centre of the European continent, the North Atlantic Oscillation seems to govern interannual changes of δ18O and δ2H on the decadal timescale. Progressing warming of the local atmosphere, in the order of 1.8 °C in the past four decades, leaves its imprint in stable isotope signal measured in Krakow precipitation; the slope of isotope–temperature relationship is in the order of 0.50‰/°C for δ18O and 3.5‰/°C for δ2H.

Trophic consistency of supraspecific taxa in below‐ground invertebrate communities: Comparison across lineages and taxonomic ranks

Abstract Animals that have similar morphological traits are expected to share similar ecological niches. This statement applies to individual animals within a species and thus species often serve as the functional units in ecological studies. Species are further grouped into higher‐ranked taxonomic units based on their morphological similarity and thus are also expected to be ecologically similar. On the other hand, theory predicts that strong competition between closely related species may result in differentiation of ecological niches. Due to high diversity and limited taxonomic expertise, soil food webs are often resolved using supraspecific taxa such as families, orders or even classes as functional units. Here, we tested the trophic differentiation and consistency of supraspecific taxa across major lineages of temperate forest soil invertebrates: Annelida, Chelicerata, Myriapoda, Crustacea and Hexapoda. Published data on stable isotope compositions of carbon and nitrogen were used to infer basal resources and trophic level, and explore the relationship between taxonomic and trophic dissimilarity of local populations. Genera and families had normal and unimodal distributions of isotopic niches, suggesting that supraspecific taxa are trophically consistent. The isotopic niche of local populations varied considerably resulting in large overlap of niches among species. Within the same genus, the effect of species identity on stable isotope composition of populations was not significant in 92% of cases. More than 50% of the variability in Δ15N values (trophic level) across lineages was explained by classes and orders, while the variability in Δ13C values (basal resources) was explained mostly by families and genera. The variability in stable isotope composition in Chelicerata and Hexapoda was explained by lower taxonomic ranks than in Myriapoda. We compiled a comprehensive list of mean Δ13C and Δ15N values of invertebrate taxa from temperate forest soils allowing to refine soil food web models when measurements of trophic niches of local populations are not feasible. Supraspecific taxa are meaningful as trophic nodes in food web studies, but the consistency varies among taxa and the choice of taxonomic resolution depends on the research question; generally, identification of taxa should be more detailed in more diverse taxonomic groups. A plain language summary is available for this article.

Spatial variation in stable isotopic composition of organic matter of macrophytes and sediments from a small Arctic lake in west Greenland

ABSTRACT Stable isotope compositions of organic carbon (δ13Corg) and nitrogen (δ15N) in macrophytes and sediments are useful in assessing sources of lake productivity and diagenesis of organic matter from formation through sedimentation to decomposition. Despite the increasing importance of high-latitude landscapes to carbon cycling under amplified and accelerating warming in the Arctic, the high density of small closed-basin lakes in this landscape, and the utility of stable isotopes in the study of carbon dynamics, limited data are available on within-lake spatial variability of δ13Corg and δ15N in these systems. The goal of this study was to investigate the spatial variability in stable isotopic composition of three dominant macrophyte species (Hippuris vulgaris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Warnstorfia exannulata) and sediments from littoral and profundal areas of a single closed-basin system among the common small Arctic lakes that populate the ice-free margin of Greenland. The range in δ13Corg of macrophytes (−33.9‰ to −27.1‰) was within the typical range of plants utilizing the C3 pathway for carbon fixation. No notable differences were observed in δ13Corg between segments of the individual macrophytes (emergent, submergent, and root tissues), indicating that the isotopic fractionation of carbon was similar throughout the plant. Between-species variations in δ13Corg were small, but significant (p < 0.01), with the moss most depleted in 13C. The range of δ15N in littoral and profundal sediments (−0.52‰ to 1.33‰) was small, with littoral surface sediments 1‰ less enriched in 15N than surface sediments in the profundal zone. The C/N ratios of macrophytes (mean ± SD: 27.0 ± 12.6), littoral sediments (mean ± SD: 11.0 ± 1.0), and profundal sediments (mean ± SD: 9.1 ± 0.9) point to diagenetic alteration. Combined isotopic and elemental (C/N) compositions of littoral and profundal sediments suggest that organic matter accumulating in the study lake originate primarily from in-lake primary production of macrophytes. Terrestrial sources are likely minor because of the hydrologically closed basin and limited aeolian inputs, suggesting that the majority of organic matter produced by the dominant littoral macrophyte community was decomposed between production and sediment deposition.

Variable Isotopic Compositions of Host Plant Populations Preclude Assessment of Aphid Overwintering Sites.

Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) is a pest of soybean in the northern Midwest whose migratory patterns have been difficult to quantify. Improved knowledge of soybean aphid overwintering sites could facilitate the development of control efforts with exponential impacts on aphid densities on a regional scale. In this preliminary study, we explored the utility of variation in stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to distinguish soybean aphid overwintering origins. We compared variation in bulk 13C and 15N content in buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.) and soybean aphids in Wisconsin, among known overwintering locations in the northern Midwest. Specifically, we looked for associations between buckthorn and environmental variables that could aid in identifying overwintering habitats. We detected significant evidence of correlation between the bulk 13C and 15N signals of soybean aphids and buckthorn, despite high variability in stable isotope composition within and among buckthorn plants. Further, the 15N signal in buckthorn varied predictably with soil composition. However, lack of sufficient differentiation of geographic areas along axes of isotopic and environmental variation appears to preclude the use of carbon and nitrogen isotopic signals as effective predictors of likely aphid overwintering sites. These preliminary data suggest the need for future work that can further account for variability in 13C and 15N within/among buckthorn plants, and that explores the utility of other stable isotopes in assessing likely aphid overwintering sites.

The trophic role of a large marine predator, the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier

Tiger sharks were sampled off the western (Ningaloo Reef, Shark Bay) and eastern (the Great Barrier Reef; GBR, Queensland and New South Wales; NSW) coastlines of Australia. Multiple tissues were collected from each shark to investigate the effects of location, size and sex of sharks on δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes among these locations. Isotopic composition of sharks sampled in reef and seagrass habitats (Shark Bay, GBR) reflected seagrass-based food-webs, whereas at Ningaloo Reef analysis revealed a dietary transition between pelagic and seagrass food-webs. In temperate habitats off southern Queensland and NSW coasts, shark diets relied on pelagic food-webs. Tiger sharks occupied roles at the top of food-webs at Shark Bay and on the GBR, but not at Ningaloo Reef or off the coast of NSW. Composition of δ13C in tissues was influenced by body size and sex of sharks, in addition to residency and diet stability. This variability in stable isotopic composition of tissues is likely to be a result of adaptive foraging strategies that allow these sharks to exploit multiple shelf and offshore habitats. The trophic role of tiger sharks is therefore both context- and habitat-dependent, consistent with a generalist, opportunistic diet at the population level.

Permafrost hydrology in changing climatic conditions: seasonal variability of stable isotope composition in rivers in discontinuous permafrost

Role of changing climatic conditions on permafrost degradation and hydrology was investigated in the transition zone between the tundra and forest ecotones at the boundary of continuous and discontinuous permafrost of the lower Yenisei River. Three watersheds of various sizes were chosen to represent the characteristics of the regional landscape conditions. Samples of river flow, precipitation, snow cover, and permafrost ground ice were collected over the watersheds to determine isotopic composition of potential sources of water in a river flow over a two year period. Increases in air temperature over the last forty years have resulted in permafrost degradation and a decrease in the seasonal frost which is evident from soil temperature measurements, permafrost and active-layer monitoring, and analysis of satellite imagery. The lowering of the permafrost table has led to an increased storage capacity of permafrost affected soils and a higher contribution of ground water to river discharge during winter months. A progressive decrease in the thickness of the layer of seasonal freezing allows more water storage and pathways for water during the winter low period making winter discharge dependent on the timing and amount of late summer precipitation. There is a substantial seasonal variability of stable isotopic composition of river flow. Spring flooding corresponds to the isotopic composition of snow cover prior to the snowmelt. Isotopic composition of river flow during the summer period follows the variability of precipitation in smaller creeks, while the water flow of larger watersheds is influenced by the secondary evaporation of water temporarily stored in thermokarst lakes and bogs. Late summer precipitation determines the isotopic composition of texture ice within the active layer in tundra landscapes and the seasonal freezing layer in forested landscapes as well as the composition of the water flow during winter months.

Temporal Variation in Stable Isotopic Composition of Rainfall and Groundwater in a Tropical Dry Forest in the Northeastern Caribbean

AbstractKarst topography links rainfall to groundwater recharge; therefore, possible changes in the hydrology can play an important role in ecosystem function especially in tropical dry forests where water is the most limiting resource. This study investigates the temporal variation in isotopic composition (δ18O and δD values) of rainwater and groundwater in the Guánica Dry Forest of southwestern Puerto Rico. The study not only establishes a dataset of oxygen and hydrogen isotopic composition of rainwater to assist in local ecohydrological studies but also establishes the origin of rainfall in the semiarid region of the island. The geographical position of Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean causes the study site to receive marine air masses from the North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. This research documents the monthly to annual variability in stable isotopic composition of rainwater and estimates the source of groundwater recharge in the Guánica Dry Forest.To calculate the local meteoric water line (LMWL), the authors analyzed the isotopic signatures of rainwater, collected at near-monthly intervals from January 2008 to December 2011. The LMWL (δD = 7.79δ18O + 10.85) is close to the global meteoric water line (δD = 8.17δ18O + 11.27). Isotopic signatures of rainwater for the Guánica Dry Forest are consistent with southeastern Caribbean, where rainfall is of marine origin with an annual cycle contributed by sea surface temperature (SST) and significant intermonthly fluctuations due to rainfall and winds during tropical weather events. The d-excess values in the period of data collection (2008–11) respond to the rainfall–evaporation balance, with little seasonal cycle and strong pulsing events. Comparison of rain and groundwater isotopic compositions in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) Guánica Dry Forest indicates that groundwater recharge is confined to rainfall events of more than 90 mm. Imbalances between rainfall and drought place cumulative stresses on ecosystems where plants and animals synchronize their growth phenology and reproduction to climatic patterns, especially in areas with variable annual cycles. Therefore, it is useful in ecohydrological studies to determine the origins and temporal dynamics of rainfall and groundwater recharge in the Caribbean, where predictions of climate models indicate drying trends.

Spatial, seasonal, and source variability in the stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopic composition of tap waters throughout the USA

AbstractTo assess spatial, seasonal, and source variability in stable isotopic composition of human drinking waters throughout the entire USA, we have constructed a database of δ18O and δ2H of US tap waters. An additional purpose was to create a publicly available dataset useful for evaluating the forensic applicability of these isotopes for human tissue source geolocation. Samples were obtained at 349 sites, from diverse population centres, grouped by surface hydrologic units for regional comparisons. Samples were taken concurrently during two contrasting seasons, summer and winter. Source supply (surface, groundwater, mixed, and cistern) and system (public and private) types were noted. The isotopic composition of tap waters exhibits large spatial and regional variation within each season as well as significant at‐site differences between seasons at many locations, consistent with patterns found in environmental (river and precipitation) waters deriving from hydrologic processes influenced by geographic factors. However, anthropogenic factors, such as the population of a tap's surrounding community and local availability from diverse sources, also influence the isotopic composition of tap waters. Even within a locale as small as a single metropolitan area, tap waters with greatly differing isotopic compositions can be found, so that tap water within a region may not exhibit the spatial or temporal coherence predicted for environmental water. Such heterogeneities can be confounding factors when attempting forensic inference of source water location, and they underscore the necessity of measurements, not just predictions, with which to characterize the isotopic composition of regional tap waters. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Spatial and temporal variability of stable isotope composition of precipitation over the South American continent

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is conducting a world-wide survey of the isotope composition of precipitation. At present, around 60 stations are providing information on the stable isotope composition of precipitation over the South American continent. During the recent years, several national monitoring networks have been initiated (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru). They provide a valuable contribution to the global IAEA/WMO database. The paper is focussed on spatial and temporal variability of the stable isotope composition of precipitation, observed over the South American continent. The relationship between isotopic signature of precipitation and climatically relevant parameters, such as surface air temperature or amount of precipitation is discussed in some detail.