Mapping variability in CO2 saturation in Amazonian rivers at a large spatial scale indicates undersaturated areas

Abstract

Aim: Amazonian rivers outgas high amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). However, the outgassing estimate remains uncertain due to the limited spatial distribution of data on wateratmosphere CO2 fluxes. So far, the vast extent of the basin and the difficult access to some regions have hampered complete mapping. We hypothesize that 1) CO2 supersaturation prevails in most Amazonian rivers and 2) undersaturation occurs only at a few locations, particularly during the low-water period. Methods: To obtain insight on the spatial distribution of partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), an essential determinant of CO2 fluxes, we analysed water sampled by a specially equipped hydroplane at an unprecedented sizeable spatial scale in the Amazon basin at 419 locations. Results: Confirming our hypothesis, most rivers were supersaturated with CO2 concerning the atmosphere. In contrast to our expectations, however, we also found below equilibrium CO2 concentrations in several tributaries, particularly during low-water periods, when light availability in the water column is highest likely coinciding with the highest aquatic primary production rates. Correlation analyses further indicated that pCO2 values are positively related to the organic carbon density in the soils, net primary production, and the proportion of flood-able land in the sub-basins. Conclusions: We conclude that supersaturation with CO2 occurs in most rivers, but several tributaries are undersaturated. Our findings highlight the different roles that Amazonian rivers can play in the regional carbon cycle. We argue that up-scaling should explicitly incorporate areas with riverine CO2 uptake, particularly at the sub-basin scale.