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Factors influencing carbon storage capacity of eelgrass meadows in New England
Citation:
Nobak, A., P. Colarusso, Peg Pelletier, J. Simpson, Mary Nicole Gutierrez, A. Arias Ortiz, P. Masque, AND P. Vella. Factors influencing carbon storage capacity of eelgrass meadows in New England. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) 24th Biennial Conference, Providence, Rhode Island, November 05 - 09, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
As atmospheric and oceanic concentrations of carbon dioxide continue to increase, quantifying the carbon storage potential of seagrass meadows and improving the understanding of the factors controlling carbon sequestration in seagrass meadows is essential information for decision-makers. This study was conducted to provide information for New England seagrass meadows, as there is little information in this area. In this study, we measured carbon accumulation and storage in sediments of 8 eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) meadows in New England and related variability to structural characteristics of meadows and environmental factors. Sites were selected based on a range of eutrophication and wave exposure conditions. Preliminary results suggest variability in sediment carbon content is related to sediment grain size, plant morphology, and nitrogen content in leaves. The results of this study are expected to increase our understanding of the various factors associated with carbon accumulation and storage capacity of seagrass meadows.
Description:
Seagrasses are known to accumulate and store large quantities of carbon although carbon accumulation and storage varies between and within meadows. In this study, we measured carbon accumulation and storage in sediments of 8 eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) meadows in New England and related variability to structural characteristics of meadows and environmental factors. Sites were selected based on a range of eutrophication and wave exposure conditions. At each site, we collected information on various sediment, eelgrass, water quality and exposure parameters. Carbon and nitrogen content and stable isotopes were measured in plant tissue, sediment traps and sections of the sediment cores. Lead-210 concentrations were also measured to estimate sediment and carbon accumulation rates. Preliminary results suggest variability in sediment carbon content is related to sediment grain size, plant morphology, and nitrogen content in leaves. The results of this study are expected to increase our understanding of the various factors associated with carbon accumulation and storage capacity of seagrass meadows.