Rooted macrophytes reduce sediment CH4 storage and net production: An experimental approach using a novel scanning method
2026
Lucía Cabrera‐Lamanna | Ilenia Marquina‐Luevano | Eric J. W. Visser | Dick vanOevelen | Andreas Lorke | Sarian Kosten
Abstract Methane (CH4) emissions from freshwater ecosystems are significant but rarely quantified in vegetated zones. We assessed the influence of five macrophyte species that root in the sediment differing in growth form and root biomass on CH4 emissions and sediment gas storage. Using a novel scanning method, we visualized sediment bubbles and root structures over time. Macrophyte growth form influenced diffusive as well as ebullitive emissions. Bubbles occupied a smaller volume in vegetated sediments (~ 19%) than in control treatments (~ 53%). Extensive root systems were associated with reduced sediment CH4 accumulation, likely due to enhanced CH4 oxidation and/or transport. Total CH4 production was lower in vegetated (~ 54 mg CH4 m−2 d−1) than in control treatments (103 mg CH4 m−2 d−1), of which a substantial part was stored in sediment bubbles. Our findings highlight the importance of including changes in sediment CH4 storage in CH4 budgets and demonstrate how macrophyte characteristics shape CH4 dynamics.
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