Variability of blue carbon storage in arid evaporitic environment of two coastal Sabkhas or mudflats

Abstract

Coastal Sabkhas are mudflats found in arid coastal regions that are located within the supratidal zone when high rates of evaporation lead to high salinity. While evaporitic minerals often accumulate underneath the surface, the microbial mats are present on the surface of Sabkhas. Coastal Sabkha, an under-studied ecosystem in Qatar, has the potential to store blue carbon. In the present study, we investigated the carbon storage capacity of two Sabkhas from contrasting geological backgrounds. The spatial and temporal variabilities of the carbon stocks were examined. The results showed that both studied Sabkhas exhibit a considerable potential for soil carbon storage with carbon stocks of 109.11 ± 7.07 Mg C ha−1 and 67.77 ± 18.10 Mg C ha−1 in Dohat Faishakh and Khor al Adaid Sabkha respectively. These values fall within the reported range for carbon stocks in coastal Sabkhas in the region (51–194 Mg C ha−1). Interestingly, the carbon stocks in the sediments of the Sabkhas were higher than those in the sediments of Qatari mangroves (50.17 ± 6.27 Mg C ha−1). These finding suggest that coastal Sabkhas can serve as blue carbon ecosystems in arid environments.

Sediment Carbon Stock in Natural and Transplanted Mangroves in Bahrain, Arabian Gulf

“…Therefore, it is argued that mangrove areas and intertidal mudflats in Bahrain are productive habitats and should be given priority for conservation. Additionally, coastal mudflats and sabkhas in the Arabian Gulf store substantial carbon as demonstrated in two sabkha sites in Qatar with carbon stocks of 109.11 and 67.77 Mg C/ha [65]. Similarly, a range of 51.0-120.5 Mg C/ha was reported in coastal sabkha in the UAE [31].…”