The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

The Fate of Macroalgal Carbon Under Microbial Anaerobic Respiration: A Critical Factor in Macroalgae Cultivation for Climate Change Mitigation
ID:118 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 16:15 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 1 - Coastal ecosystem by anthropogenic activities and climate changes

Abstract
Macroalgae play a significant role in global carbon sequestration. Substantial macroalgal organic carbon inputs and subsequent degradation can cause deoxygenation; however, the impact of oxygen deficiency on carbon fate remains understudied, which is critical for assessing the climate mitigation role of macroalgae. Here, we investigated changes in the carbon pool and non-CO2 greenhouse gases (N2O and CH4) to assess the influence of oxygen levels on the carbon sink capacity of macroalgae. The microbial remineralization rate of macroalgal organic matter was not consistently slower under anoxic conditions (AK) compared to oxic conditions (OK). Total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations in the water column were 530±94 (OK) and 282±38 (AK) µmol kg-1. For dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), concentrations on day 30 were 4585±197 (OK) and 5200±492 (AK) µmol kg-1, while those for total alkalinity (TA) were 2684±18 (OK) and 4523±671 (AK) µmol kg-1. Following a 30-day sealed incubation, the bags were opened to reach atmospheric equilibrium. Subsequently, DIC dropped to 1837±79 (OK) and 3744±354 (AK) µmol kg-1, and TA fell to 2059±14 (OK) and 4431±657 (AK) µmol kg-1. Ultimately, relative to the control group (seawater only, OS) under air-sea equilibrium, the ΔDIC values were -22±76 and 1885±351 µmol kg-1 in the OK and AK treatments, respectively, while ΔTA values were -57±11 and 2315±655 µmol kg-1. The emissions of N2O and CH4 did not substantially offset the climate effect of carbon sequestration. These results suggest that, beyond the traditional focus on organic carbon preservation, anaerobic respiration under anoxic conditions may also contribute to macroalgal carbon sequestration by generating alkalinity that enhances the retention and stabilization of DIC.
Speaker
Lianbao Zhang Shandong University

Author
Lianbao Zhang Shandong University

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027