Effects of Tidal Scenarios on the Methane Emission Dynamics in the Subtropical Tidal Marshes of the Min River Estuary in Southeast China

Abstract

In order to accurately estimate the effects of tidal scenarios on the CH4 emission from tidal wetlands, we examined the CH4 effluxes, dissolved CH4 concentrations, and environmental factors (including in situ pH, Eh and electrical conductivity, porewater SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+) during inundation and air-exposure periods in high- and low-tide seasons in the Min River Estuary in southeast China. By applying static and floating chambers, our results showed that the CH4 effluxes during the inundation periods were relatively constant and generally lower than those during the air-exposed periods in both seasons. When compared, the CH4 effluxes during the air-exposed periods were significantly higher in the high-tide season than those in the low-tide season. In contrast, CH4 effluxes during the inundation periods were significantly lower in the high-tide season than those in the low-tide season. During the inundation periods, dissolved CH4 concentrations were inversely proportional to in situ Eh. Under air-exposed conditions, CH4 effluxes were proportional to in situ pH in both seasons, while the dissolved CH4 concentrations were negatively correlated with the porewater SO42− concentrations in both seasons. Our results highlighted that CH4 effluxes were more dynamic between inundation and air-exposure periods compared to low- and high-tide seasons.