Abstract
C, N, and P in lake sediment are the basis of material and energy cycle, reflecting the economic development, ecological function, and environmental effect. Current research on the effect of lake eutrophication on carbon storage and the river–lake connectivity on nutrient diffusion is lack. This work investigated the accumulation, distribution, correlations, and stoichiometric ratios of C, N, and P of 82 lakes (≥ 10 km2) in Eastern China, analyzed the nutrient limitation, sediment carbon sink, and effect of river–lake connectivity, and discussed the relationships between eutrophication and sediment carbon storage. The average concentrations and ranges of total C, N, and P in lake sediments were (23.26 mg/g, 0.08–153.45 mg/g), (2.32 mg/g, 0.29–14.17 mg/g), and (0.86 mg/g, 0.23–2.64 mg/g), respectively. The ecological stoichiometry of C: N: P in lake sediments was 32: 3.2: 1. P can be easily accumulated in lakes connected from the Yangtze River, while C and N can be easily accumulated in disconnected lakes. The soil–water erosion in runoff is an important factor for P diffusion. The C/N and C/N/P weren’t affected by the river–lake connectivity but depended on the plant type. The Eastern Plain Lake Region of China is C and N co-depletion, and P enrichment. The lake eutrophication leading to algal bloom is unfavorable to the goal of carbon storage and carbon neutrality. Outcome of this study will provide a significant reference and strategies for carbon sequestration research, eco-environmental protection, and watershed nutrient management.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bao, K., Zhang, Y., Zaccone, C., & Meadows, M. E. (2021). Human impact on C/N/P accumulation in lake sediments from northeast China during the last 150 years. Environmental Pollution, 271, 116345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116345
Barik, S. K., Bramha, S., Bastia, T. K., Behera, D., Mohanty, P. K., & Rath, P. (2019). Distribution of geochemical fractions of phosphorus and its ecological risk in sediment cores of a largest brackish water lake South Asia. International Journal Sediment Research, 34(3), 251–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsrc.2018.11.004
Bittelli, M., Andrenelli, M. C., Simonetti, G., Pellegrini, S., Artioli, G., Piccoli, I., & Morari, F. (2019). Shall we abandon sedimentation methods for particle size analysis in soils? Soil and Tillage Research, 185, 36–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2018.08.018
Cai, J., Bai, C., Tang, X., Dai, J., Jiang, X., Hu, Y., Shao, K., & Gao, G. (2020). Spatiotemporal variations in seston C:N: P stoichiometry in a large eutrophic floodplain lake (lake taihu): Do the sources of seston explain stoichiometric flexibility? Water, 12(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12010036
Chen, Q., Ni, Z., Wang, S., Guo, Y., & Liu, S. (2020). Climate change and human activities reduced the burial efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus in sediment from Dianchi lake China. Journal Clean Product, 274, 122839. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122839
Dibar, D. T., Zhang, K., Yuan, S., Zhang, J., Zhou, Z., & Ye, X. (2020). Ecological stoichiometric characteristics of Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) in leaf, root, stem, and soil in four wetland plants communities in Shengjin Lake China. PLoS ONE, 15(8), e230089. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0230089
He, H., Han, Y., Li, Q., Jeppesen, E., Li, K., Yu, J., & Liu, Z. (2019). Crucian carp (carassius carassius) strongly affect C/N/P stoichiometry of suspended particulate matter in shallow warm water eutrophic lakes. Water, 11(3), 524. https://doi.org/10.3390/w11030524
Hu, Q., Sheng, M., Bai, Y., Jie, Y., & Xiao, H. (2020). Response of C, N, and P stoichiometry characteristics of Broussonetia papyrifera to altitude gradients and soil nutrients in the karst rocky ecosystem, SW China. Plant and Soil. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-020-04742-7
Jarvie, H. P., King, S. M., & Neal, C. (2017). Inorganic carbon dominates total dissolved carbon concentrations and fluxes in British rivers: Application of the THINCARB model–Thermodynamic modelling of inorganic carbon in freshwaters. Science of the Total Environment, 575, 496–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.201
Jarvie, H. P., Smith, D. R., Norton, L. R., Edwards, F. K., Bowes, M. J., King, S. M., Scarlett, P., Davies, S., Dils, R. M., & Bachiller-Jareno, N. (2018). Phosphorus and nitrogen limitation and impairment of headwater streams relative to rivers in Great Britain: A national perspective on eutrophication. Science of the Total Environment, 621, 849–862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.128
Jiang, X., Gao, G., Zhang, L., Tang, X., Shao, K., & Hu, Y. (2020). Denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in freshwater lakes of the Eastern Plain, China: Influences of organic carbon and algal bloom. Science of the Total Environment, 710, 136303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136303
Kindeberg, T., Ørberg, S. B., Röhr, M. E., Holmer, M., & Krause-Jensen, D. (2018). Sediment stocks of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in danish eelgrass meadows. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00474
Kufel, L., Strzałek, M., Biardzka, E., & Becher, M. (2020). Carbon and nutrients transfer from primary producers to lake sediments–A stoichiometric approach. Limnologica, 83, 125794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.limno.2020.125794
Li, F., Hu, J., Xie, Y., Yang, G., Hu, C., Chen, X., & Deng, Z. (2018). Foliar stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in wetland sedge Carex brevicuspis along a small-scale elevation gradient. Ecological Indicators, 92, 322–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.04.059
Lin, Q., Peng, X., Liu, B., Min, F., Zhang, Y., Zhou, Q., Ma, J., & Wu, Z. (2019). Aluminum distribution heterogeneity and relationship with nitrogen, phosphorus and humic acid content in the eutrophic lake sediment. Environmental Pollution, 253, 516–524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.07.042
Liu, C., Du, Y., Yin, H., Fan, C., Chen, K., Zhong, J., & Gu, X. (2019). Exchanges of nitrogen and phosphorus across the sediment-water interface influenced by the external suspended particulate matter and the residual matter after dredging. Environmental Pollution, 246, 207–216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.092
Liu, C., Gong, X., Dang, K., Li, J., Yang, P., Gao, X., Deng, X., & Feng, B. (2020). Linkages between nutrient ratio and the microbial community in rhizosphere soil following fertilizer management. Environmental Research, 184, 109261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.109261
Liu, Y., Fang, Y., & An, S. (2020). How C:N: P stoichiometry in soils and plants responds to succession in Robinia pseudoacacia forests on the Loess Plateau China. Forest Ecology Management, 475, 118394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2020.118394
Luo, M., Lin, H., Li, B., Dong, Y., He, Y., & Wang, L. (2018). A novel modification of lignin on corncob-based biochar to enhance removal of cadmium from water. Bioresource Technol, 259, 312–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2018.03.075
Luo, M., Yu, H., Liu, Q., Lan, W., Ye, Q., Niu, Y., & Niu, Y. (2021). Effect of river-lake connectivity on heavy metal diffusion and source identification of heavy metals in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 416, 125818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125818
Ma, X., Ren, Q., Zhan, W., Hu, C., Zhao, M., Tian, Y., Liao, Q., Yang, Z., & Wang, Y. (2020). Effectively reducing the bioavailability and leachability of heavy metals in sediment and improving sediment properties with a low-cost composite. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 27(36), 45581–45590. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10343-9
Maranger, R., Jones, S. E., & Cotner, J. B. (2018). Stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through the fresh water pipe. Limnology and Oceanography Letters, 3(3), 89–101. https://doi.org/10.1002/lol2.10080
Maurya, P., & Kumari, R. (2021). Spatiotemporal variation of the nutrients and heavy metals in mangroves using multivariate statistical analysis, Gulf of Kachchh (India). Environmental Research, 195, 110803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.110803
Meng, L., Qu, F., Bi, X., Xia, J., Li, Y., Wang, X., & Yu, J. (2021). Elemental stoichiometry (C, N, P) of soil in the yellow river delta nature reserve: Understanding N and P status of soil in the coastal estuary. Science of the Total Environment, 751, 141737. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141737
Moe, T. F., Hessen, D. O., & Demars, B. O. L. (2019). Functional biogeography: Stoichiometry and thresholds for interpreting nutrient limitation in aquatic plants. Science of the Total Environment, 677, 447–455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.366
Mollema, P. N., & Antonellini, M. (2016). Water and (bio) chemical cycling in gravel pit lakes: A review and outlook. Earth Science Reviews, 159, 247–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2016.05.006
Nazneen, S., & Raju, N. J. (2017). Distribution and sources of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and biogenic silica in the sediments of Chilika lagoon. Journal Earth System Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-016-0785-8
Niu, Y., Jiang, X., Wang, K., Xia, J., Jiao, W., Niu, Y., & Yu, H. (2020). Meta analysis of heavy metal pollution and sources in surface sediments of Lake Taihu China. Science Total Environment, 700, 134509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134509
Paerl, H. W. (2018). Why does N-limitation persist in the world’s marine waters? Marine Chemistry, 206, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marchem.2018.09.001
Shen, D., Huang, S., Zhang, Y., & Zhou, Y. (2021). The source apportionment of N and P pollution in the surface waters of lowland urban area based on EEM-PARAFAC and PCA-APCS-MLR. Environmental Research, 197, 111022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.111022
Smith, D. R., Jarvie, H. P., & Bowes, M. J. (2017). Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichiometry and eutrophication in river thames tributaries UK. Agricultural Environmental Letters. https://doi.org/10.2134/ael2017.06.0020
Søndergaard, M., Lauridsen, T. L., Johansson, L. S., & Jeppesen, E. (2017). Nitrogen or phosphorus limitation in lakes and its impact on phytoplankton biomass and submerged macrophyte cover. Hydrobiologia, 795(1), 35–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-017-3110-x
Stutter, M., Graeber, D., & Weigelhofer, G. (2020). Available dissolved organic carbon alters uptake and recycling of phosphorus and nitrogen from river sediments. Water, 12(12), 3321. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12123321
Tie, L., Zhang, S., Peñuelas, J., Sardans, J., Zhou, S., Hu, J., & Huang, C. (2020). Responses of soil C, N, and P stoichiometric ratios to N and S additions in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest. Geoderma, 379, 114633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2020.114633
Wang, X., Liu, B., & Zhang, W. (2020). Distribution and risk analysis of heavy metals in sediments from the Yangtze River Estuary China. Environment Science Pollution Reasearch, 27(10), 10802–10810. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-07581-x
Wen, J., Ji, H., Sun, N., Tao, H., Du, B., Hui, D., & Liu, C. (2018). Imbalanced plant stoichiometry at contrasting geologic-derived phosphorus sites in subtropics: The role of microelements and plant functional group. Plant and Soil, 430(1–2), 113–125. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-018-3728-0
Xu, J., Wang, T., García Molinos, J., Li, C., Hu, B., Pan, M., & Zhang, M. (2020). Effects of warming, climate extremes and phosphorus enrichment on the growth, sexual reproduction and propagule carbon and nitrogen stoichiometry of Potamogeton crispus L. Environment International, 137, 105502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.105502
Yang, Y., Gao, B., Hao, H., Zhou, H., & Lu, J. (2017). Nitrogen and phosphorus in sediments in China: A national-scale assessment and review. Science of the Total Environment, 576, 840–849. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.136
Yang, H., Zhang, P., Zhu, T., Li, Q., & Cao, J. (2019). The Characteristics of soil C, N, and P stoichiometric ratios as affected by geological background in a karst graben area. Southwest China Forests, 10(7), 601. https://doi.org/10.3390/f10070601
Yang, J., Yuan, D., Zhao, Y., He, Y., & Zhang, G. (2020). Stoichiometric relations of C, N, and P in urban top soils in Nanjing, China, and their biogeochemical implications. Journal Soil Sediment. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-020-02826-6
Yu, M., Wang, Q., Tao, W., Liu, G., Liu, W., Wang, L., & Ma, L. (2020). Interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil properties jointly influence plant C, N, and P stoichiometry in West Lake. Hangzhou. RSC ADV, 10(65), 39943–39953. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08185J
Yuan, H., Tai, Z., Li, Q., & Zhang, F. (2020). Characterization and source identification of organic phosphorus in sediments of a hypereutrophic lake. Environmental Pollution, 257, 113500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113500
Zhang, D., Qi, Q., Tong, S., Wang, J., Zhang, M., Zhu, G., & Lu, X. (2021). Effect of hydrological fluctuation on nutrient stoichiometry and trade-offs of Carex schmidtii. Ecological Indicators, 120, 106924. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106924
Zhang, Y., Sun, M., Yang, R., Li, X., Zhang, L., & Li, M. (2021). Decoupling water environment pressures from economic growth in the Yangtze river economic belt China. Ecology Indicator, 122, 107314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.107314
Zhu, L., Shi, W., Zhou, J., Yu, J., Kong, L., & Qin, B. (2021). Strong turbulence accelerates sediment nitrification-denitrification for nitrogen loss in shallow lakes. The Science of the Total Environment, 761, 143210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143210
Acknowledgements
We thank Yali Wu (Chinese research academy of environmental sciences) and Ye Zhang (University of science and technology, Beijing) for data analysis of this manuscript.
Funding
This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41807494, 31500423), Major Science and Technology Program for Water Pollution Control and Treatment of China (No. 2018ZX07208-005), and National Fundamental Research Project for Science and Technology of China (No. 2014FY110400-01).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
YN contributed to conceptualization, methodology, funding acquisition, investigation. QY contributed to formal analysis and data curation. QL contributed to formal analysis and data curation. HY contributed to supervision and funding acquisition. YT contributed to formal analysis. HW contributed to editing. YN contributed to project administration and resources. ML contributed to conceptualization, methodology, writing preparation and reviewing, and investigation.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
We declare that we do not have any commercial interest that represents a conflict of interest in connection with the work submitted.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Supplementary Information
Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Niu, Y., Ye, Q., Liu, Q. et al. Effect of river–lake connectivity on ecological stoichiometry of lake and carbon storage status in Eastern Plain, China. Environ Geochem Health 45, 1905–1917 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01300-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01300-1