Effects of Global Warming on the Estuarine Wetland Biogeochemistry

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition on the anaerobic decomposition mediated by microorganisms to determine the microbial metabolic pathways in the degradation of organic matters of the sediments. There were statistically significant differences(P < 0.05) in the rates between denitrification and methanogenesis upon increased CO2 concentration, nitrogen addition, in the presence of plants. Based on the assumption that anaerobic degradation of organic matter mainly occurs through denitrification, iron reduction, and methanogenesis, methanogenesis is the dominant pathways in the decomposition of organic matter under the condition of elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition. In addition, the altered environment increased anaerobic carbon decomposition. Therefore, it can be concluded that freshwater wetland sediments have positive effects on the global warming by the increased methanogenesiss as well as increased anaerobic carbon decomposition.