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Redox reactions and weak buffering capacity lead to acidification in the Chesapeake Bay

Author

Listed:
  • Wei-Jun Cai

    (University of Delaware)

  • Wei-Jen Huang

    (University of Delaware
    National Sun Yat-sen University)

  • George W. Luther

    (University of Delaware)

  • Denis Pierrot

    (University of Miami)

  • Ming Li

    (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science)

  • Jeremy Testa

    (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science)

  • Ming Xue

    (University of Delaware
    CNPC Research Institute of Safety and Environmental Technology)

  • Andrew Joesoef

    (University of Delaware)

  • Roger Mann

    (Virginia Institute of Marine Science)

  • Jean Brodeur

    (University of Delaware)

  • Yuan-Yuan Xu

    (University of Delaware)

  • Baoshan Chen

    (University of Delaware)

  • Najid Hussain

    (University of Delaware)

  • George G. Waldbusser

    (Oregon State University)

  • Jeffrey Cornwell

    (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science)

  • W. Michael Kemp

    (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science)

Abstract

The combined effects of anthropogenic and biological CO2 inputs may lead to more rapid acidification in coastal waters compared to the open ocean. It is less clear, however, how redox reactions would contribute to acidification. Here we report estuarine acidification dynamics based on oxygen, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), pH, dissolved inorganic carbon and total alkalinity data from the Chesapeake Bay, where anthropogenic nutrient inputs have led to eutrophication, hypoxia and anoxia, and low pH. We show that a pH minimum occurs in mid-depths where acids are generated as a result of H2S oxidation in waters mixed upward from the anoxic depths. Our analyses also suggest a large synergistic effect from river–ocean mixing, global and local atmospheric CO2 uptake, and CO2 and acid production from respiration and other redox reactions. Together they lead to a poor acid buffering capacity, severe acidification and increased carbonate mineral dissolution in the USA’s largest estuary.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei-Jun Cai & Wei-Jen Huang & George W. Luther & Denis Pierrot & Ming Li & Jeremy Testa & Ming Xue & Andrew Joesoef & Roger Mann & Jean Brodeur & Yuan-Yuan Xu & Baoshan Chen & Najid Hussain & George G, 2017. "Redox reactions and weak buffering capacity lead to acidification in the Chesapeake Bay," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-017-00417-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00417-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Wei-Jen Huang & Kai-Jung Kao & Li-Lian Liu & Chi-Wen Liao & Yin-Lung Han, 2018. "An Assessment of Direct Dissolved Inorganic Carbon Injection to the Coastal Region: A Model Result," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-10, April.
    2. Aditya, Trias & Santosa, Purnama Budi & Yulaikhah, Yulaikhah & Widjajanti, Nurrohmat & Atunggal, Dedi & Sulistyawati, Miranty, 2021. "Title Validation and collaborative mapping to accelerate quality assurance of land registration," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    3. Jie Zhou & Yanling Zheng & Lijun Hou & Zhirui An & Feiyang Chen & Bolin Liu & Li Wu & Lin Qi & Hongpo Dong & Ping Han & Guoyu Yin & Xia Liang & Yi Yang & Xiaofei Li & Dengzhou Gao & Ye Li & Zhanfei Li, 2023. "Effects of acidification on nitrification and associated nitrous oxide emission in estuarine and coastal waters," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.

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