Open AccessStoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through the freshwater pipe
Author(s) -
Maranger Roxane,
Jones Stuart E.,
Cotner James B.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2378-2242
DOI - 10.1002/lol2.10080
Subject(s) - phosphorus , nitrogen , residence time (fluid dynamics) , flux (metallurgy) , stoichiometry , environmental science , carbon fibers , cycling , environmental chemistry , nutrient , water pipe , chemistry , ecology , biology , oceanography , geography , geology , materials science , forestry , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry , composite number , composite material , inlet
The “freshwater pipe” concept has improved our understanding of freshwater carbon (C) cycling, however, it has rarely been applied to macronutrients such as nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P). Here, we synthesize knowledge of the processing of C, N, and P together in freshwaters from land to the ocean. We compared flux estimates into and out of the N and P “pipes” and showed the net removal rates of N and P by inland waters were less than those for C. The C : N : P stoichiometry of inland water inputs vs. exports differed due to large respiratory C and N losses, and efficient P burial in inland waters. Residence time plays a critical role in the processing of these elements through the pipe, where higher water residence times from streams to lakes results in substantial increases in C : N, C : P, and N : P ratios.