Regulation of particulate inorganic carbon by phytoplankton in hydropower reservoirs: Evidence from stable carbon isotope analysis

Particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) is one of the most important components of carbon cycle in hydropower reservoirs. However, the processes of production, migration, and transformation of PIC in hydropower reservoirs are still unclear. As such, we investigated the concentration and carbon isotope composition of PIC and dissolved inorganic carbon and related environmental parameters of hydropower reservoirs on the Wujiang River, Southwest China, to understand these processes. The observed delta 13C datasets demonstrated that the river PIC is derived from exogenous carbonate weathering and endogenous carbonate precipitation, whereas the reservoir PIC is dominated by authigenic PIC driven by phytoplankton. The reservoir PIC concentration and delta 13CPIC showed seasonal stratification in the water profile, the extent of which depends on surface photosynthesis and bottom respiration. The influence of phytoplankton on the production and transformation of PIC was different among the reservoirs with different ages and trophic levels, and the delta 13C technique can reveal these processes very well. This study improves the comprehensive understanding of carbon cycling in hydropower reservoirs and environmental effects of river damming.

Automated summary

This study investigated the concentration and carbon isotope composition of PIC and dissolved inorganic carbon in hydropower reservoirs on the Wujiang River in Southwest China. The research found that river PIC is derived from exogenous carbonate weathering and endogenous carbonate precipitation, while reservoir PIC is dominated by authigenic PIC driven by phytoplankton. The influence of phytoplankton on PIC production and transformation varies among reservoirs of different ages and trophic levels, with the seasonal stratification of PIC concentration and delta 13CPIC depending on surface photosynthesis and bottom respiration.