Abiotic nitrous oxide emission from the hypersaline Don Juan Pond in Antarctica

Samarkin, VA; Madigan, MT; Bowles, MW; Casciotti, KL; Priscu, JC; Mckay, CP; Joye, SB

HERO ID

1565785

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

HERO ID 1565785
In Press No
Year 2010
Title Abiotic nitrous oxide emission from the hypersaline Don Juan Pond in Antarctica
Authors Samarkin, VA; Madigan, MT; Bowles, MW; Casciotti, KL; Priscu, JC; Mckay, CP; Joye, SB
Journal Nature Geoscience
Volume 3
Issue 5
Page Numbers 341-344
Abstract Nitrous oxide is a potent atmospheric greenhouse gas(1) that contributes to ozone destruction(2). Biological processes such as nitrification and denitrification are thought to drive nitrous oxide production in soils, which comprise the largest source of nitrous oxide to the atmosphere(1). Here we present measurements of the concentration and isotopic composition of nitrous oxide in soil pore spaces in samples taken near Don Juan Pond, a metabolically dormant hypersaline pond in Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica in 2006, 2007 and 2008, together with in situ fluxes of nitrous oxide from the soil to the atmosphere. We find fluxes of nitrous oxide that rival those measured in fertilized tropical soils(3). Laboratory experiments -in which nitrite-rich brine was reacted with a variety of minerals containing Fe(II)-reveal a new mechanism of abiotic water-rock reaction that could support nitrous oxide fluxes at Don Juan Pond. Our findings illustrate a dynamic and unexpected link between the geosphere and atmosphere.
Doi 10.1038/NGEO847
Wosid WOS:000277188500017
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000277188500017
Is Public Yes