The significance of organic carbon and nutrient export from peatland-dominated landscapes subject to disturbance, a stoichiometric perspective

Abstract

Abstract. The terrestrial-aquatic interface is a crucial environment in which to consider the fate of exported terrestrial carbon in the aquatic system. Here the fate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) may be controlled by nutrient availability. However, peat-dominated headwater catchments are normally of low nutrient status and thus there is little data on how DOC and nutrient export co-varies. We present nutrient and DOC data for two UK catchments dominated by peat headwaters. One, Whitelee, is undergoing development for Europe's largest windfarm. Glen Dye by comparison is relatively undisturbed. At both sites there are significant linear relationships between DOC and soluble reactive phosphorus and nitrate concentrations in the drainage waters. However, inter-catchment differences exist. Changes in the pattern of nutrient and carbon export at Whitelee reveal that landscape disturbance associated with windfarm development impacts the receiving waters, and that nutrient export does not increase in a stoichiometric manner that will promote increase in microbial biomass but rather supports aquatic respiration. In turn greater CO 2 efflux may prevail. Hence disturbance of terrestrial carbon stores may impact the both the aquatic and gaseous carbon cycle. We suggest estimates of aquatic carbon export should inform the decision-making process prior to development in ecosystems and catchments with high terrestrial carbon storage.

The Effect of Storage on the Radiocarbon, Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Signatures and Concentrations of Riverine DOM

“…A high density of ephemeral drainage channels cover the peat, connecting it to the perennial stream channel network. Detailed diagrams of topography, soil coverage, geology, and land use of the Glen Dye catchment are available (Waldron et al 2009). …”

“…Thus, studies investigating both carbon and nutrient cycling and export are becoming more widespread (e.g. Zeigler et al 2003;Amon and Meon 2004;Waldron et al 2009). …”

The influence of wind farm development on the hydrochemistry and ecology of an upland stream

“…At present, there is very little information on the impact of these developments on the freshwater environment (Grieve and Gilvear 2008;Waldron et al 2009) and, consequently, a limited evidence base upon which to base regulatory and planning decisions. With increasing numbers of development proposals in upland areas, there is an urgent need for an improved understanding of the effects of wind farms on the hydrology, hydrochemistry and ecology of upland catchments, especially when considered in combination with other anthropogenic pressures (Curtis et al 2014).…”

“…As the number and geographical spread of wind farms increases, a better understanding of potential risks is needed to help guide planners, local fisheries managers, regulators and others concerned with managing the freshwater environment. To date, there have been few investigations of the effects of wind farms on the freshwater environment in the UK, and these have focussed almost exclusively on the issue of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (Grieve and Gilvear 2008;Waldron et al 2009). However, more widespread effects may be expected, depending on local catchment characteristics, the extent of development and the effectiveness of mitigation procedures (Lindsay and Bragg 2005).…”

Are transit times useful process‐based tools for flow prediction and classification in ungauged basins in montane regions?

“…Pressure to develop renewable sources of energy dictate that large areas are being industrialized for wind-energy generation. This involves installation of roads and infrastructure, often in catchments characterized by sensitive and hydrologically responsive peaty soils (Waldron et al, 2009). There is currently little to guide planners and developers on minimizing the risk of adverse hydrological impacts.…”