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Full-scale evaluation of methane production under oxic conditions in a mesotrophic lake

Author

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  • D. Donis

    (Aquatic Physics Group, Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences (DEFSE), Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl Vogt 66)

  • S. Flury

    (Aquatic Physics Group, Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences (DEFSE), Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl Vogt 66
    Stream Biofilm and Ecosystem Research Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Engineering, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Station 2)

  • A. Stöckli

    (Canton Argovia, Department of Civil Engineering, Transportation and Environment, Entfelderstrasse 22)

  • J. E. Spangenberg

    (Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (IDYST), University of Lausanne, Building GEOPOLIS)

  • D. Vachon

    (Aquatic Physics Group, Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences (DEFSE), Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl Vogt 66)

  • D. F. McGinnis

    (Aquatic Physics Group, Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences (DEFSE), Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl Vogt 66)

Abstract

Oxic lake surface waters are frequently oversaturated with methane (CH4). The contribution to the global CH4 cycle is significant, thus leading to an increasing number of studies and stimulating debates. Here we show, using a mass balance, on a temperate, mesotrophic lake, that ~90% of CH4 emissions to the atmosphere is due to CH4 produced within the oxic surface mixed layer (SML) during the stratified period, while the often observed CH4 maximum at the thermocline represents only a physically driven accumulation. Negligible surface CH4 oxidation suggests that the produced 110 ± 60 nmol CH4 L−1 d−1 efficiently escapes to the atmosphere. Stable carbon isotope ratios indicate that CH4 in the SML is distinct from sedimentary CH4 production, suggesting alternative pathways and precursors. Our approach reveals CH4 production in the epilimnion that is currently overlooked, and that research on possible mechanisms behind the methane paradox should additionally focus on the lake surface layer.

Suggested Citation

  • D. Donis & S. Flury & A. Stöckli & J. E. Spangenberg & D. Vachon & D. F. McGinnis, 2017. "Full-scale evaluation of methane production under oxic conditions in a mesotrophic lake," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-12, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-017-01648-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01648-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Elisabet Perez-Coronel & J. Michael Beman, 2022. "Multiple sources of aerobic methane production in aquatic ecosystems include bacterial photosynthesis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. César Ordóñez & Tonya DelSontro & Timon Langenegger & Daphne Donis & Ena L. Suarez & Daniel F. McGinnis, 2023. "Evaluation of the methane paradox in four adjacent pre-alpine lakes across a trophic gradient," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.

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