Emerging patterns of CO2 : O2 dynamics in rivers and their link to ecosystem carbon processing [Dataset] | Datasets for the article "Emerging patterns of CO2:O2 dynamics in rivers and their link to ecosystem carbon processing "

Datasets supporting the article "Emerging patterns of CO2:O2 dynamics in rivers and their link to ecosystem carbon processing". The datasets are analized using the acompanying repository in github (https://github.com/rocher-ros/O2_CO2_rivers).

Aquatic metabolism is reflected in the dynamics of dissolved oxygen (O<inf>2</inf>) and carbon dioxide (CO<inf>2</inf>) concentrations. Thus, paired measurements of CO<inf>2</inf> and O<inf>2</inf> concentrations can capture the metabolic characteristics of an ecosystem, with promising results in lakes. Yet, for rivers, hydrological, chemical, and biological processes all influence CO<inf>2</inf> and O<inf>2</inf> concentrations, complicating how paired measurements can be used to infer ecosystem processes. Here we combine a data synthesis with a simple mechanistic model of river metabolism, gas exchange, groundwater inputs and carbonate equilibrium to assess how each imprints upon CO<inf>2</inf> : O<inf>2</inf> patterns. Among the physicochemical processes considered, groundwater inputs substantially influenced CO<inf>2</inf> : O<inf>2</inf> relationships. Regardless, analysis of paired CO<inf>2</inf> : O<inf>2</inf> data resolved predictable differences in ecosystem function across rivers with variable productivity and disturbance, as well as along the river continuum. Results indicate that paired CO<inf>2</inf> : O<inf>2</inf> data can aid in assessments of river metabolism, provided that we account for the dynamic physical environment.

Peer reviewed