Eutrophication decreases Halophila beccarii plant organic carbon contribution to sequestration potential

Seagrass ecosystems rank among the most effective blue carbon sinks in climate change mitigation and greenhouse gas removal. Nutrient pollution has emerged as a leading threat to seagrass decline diminished sequestration potential recent decades. Changes nutrient regime can also impact organic compositions (labile refractory compositions) of tissues, with important implications for determining quantity quality sequestration. However, there is still little information about loading on plant composition (ROC), which hinders our ability reveal driving mechanisms anthropogenic factors that decrease capability. Here, multidisciplinary approach was employed investigate variations Halophila beccarii at five meadows contrasting levels. The results showed H. nitrogen (N) content ranged from 2.21% 5.65%, well reflected external High elevated labile content, like free amino acids soluble sugars. Nevertheless, ROC (cellulose-associated matter) decreased increasing loading, presented significant negative linear correlation N content. These provide evidence eutrophic conditions enhance (high carbon) consequently potential. This suggests reducing input would aid storage.