Evidence for anthropogenic ¹⁴C-enrichment in estuarine waters adjacent to the North Sea

Ahad, J.M.E., Ganeshram, R.S., Spencer, R.G.M., Uher, G., Gulliver, P. and Bryant, C. (2006) Evidence for anthropogenic ¹⁴C-enrichment in estuarine waters adjacent to the North Sea. Geophysical Research Letters, 33, pp. 1-4. (doi: 10.1029/2006GL025991)

Abstract

[1] The isotopic composition (d13C and D14C) of high molecular weight dissolved organic carbon (HMW DOC) was studied in the Tyne and Tweed estuaries, NE England. Despite significant removal of terrigenous HMW DOC in the low salinity regions (S < 15), D14C remained modern with little variation around 115%. This lack of apparent age discrimination was attributed to either non-oxidative removal or the absence of a significant proportion of old refractory C in the HMW DOC pool. At S < 15, we observed seaward increases in d13C and D14C. With no documented local 14C inputs, we attributed non-bomb related 14C-enrichment at S < 15 to a possible ‘lingering effect’ of distal anthropogenic sources in near-coastal North Sea HMW DOC. Given the global distribution of potential sources, we propose that anthropogenic 14C should be considered in assigning ages of DOC pools in near-coastal waters and suggest its possible use as a tracer for DOC transformations.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bryant, Dr Charlotte and Gulliver, Dr Pauline
• Authors: Ahad, J.M.E., Ganeshram, R.S., Spencer, R.G.M., Uher, G., Gulliver, P., and Bryant, C.
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters
• ISSN: 0094-8276
• ISSN (Online): 1944-8007
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2006 AGU
• First Published: First published in Geophysical Research Letters 2006 33:1-4
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher