Drivers of Anaerobic Methanogenesis in Sub-Tropical Reservoir Sediments

Anaerobic methanogenesis is dependent on key macronutrients (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) trace metals (including iron, nickel cobalt) to drive methane production. Reservoir derived emissions have correlated eutrophication status, with elevated associated more eutrophic systems. Additionally, sediment organic matter can enhance emissions, particularly through the ebullition pathway. As such, it critical understand how carbon nutrient inputs into reservoir water columns sediments improve flooded land greenhouse gas emission estimates. In this study we examine potential of in mesotrophic (Little Nerang Dam) (Lake Wivenhoe) sub-tropical reservoirs under different availabilities using biological (BMP) tests. BMP tests were conducted incubated anaerobic conditions replicate controls (reservoir bottom waters) or treatments (excess and/or availability). The results indicated that these systems are limited. addition significantly increases by 20-fold over controls. Analysis samples from showed both replete macronutrient metal content for methanogenesis. Finally, a comprehensive catchment monitoring program Little Dam measuring inflow events, lateral transport forest litter, bulk atmospheric deposition inflows litter strongly linked rainfall accounted than 99% total annual load. This suggests frequency events driver humid, region.