Carbon capture in Latin American algal meadows: a case study on South American pacific coast

Abstract

Algal meadows can significantly contribute to carbon (C) capture; nevertheless, few studies on South American Pacific coast reserves are available. Evaluation of these stocks allows proposing better measures for the sustainable use of these habitats and maintaining their ecosystem services. This study aimed to estimate biomass distribution and quantify the C captured in algal meadows of Chondracanthus chamissoi on the Laguna Grande coastal lagoon (Ica-Peru). To calculate the biomass, the area occupied by each patch of algae in each sampling zone was delimited and transects perpendicular to the coast were used in randomly located plots. To calculate the biomass, randomly located plots of algae transecting perpendicular to the coast were located in each sampling zone and delimited. In the laboratory, the dry biomass and C content were measured (the latter using an elemental analyzer). Monthly variation in the distribution and area was identified. September 2021 presented the highest total biomass (50416.4 kg; 50.4 t) and C captured (13 t C) while from February to June no algal biomass was found. Significant differences were found in the biomass and C capture in the sampling zones, the months of C capture, and the interaction between these two variables. C capture decreases with warm months and more intensive algae extraction. Our results provide valuable information on the distribution of biomass and C captured over time in the study area, which will help create a more sustainable extraction process.