Submarine Groundwater Discharge in the Northern Bohai Sea, China: Implications for Coastal Carbon Budgets and Buffering Capacity

Abstract Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) has been widely recognized as an important source of dissolved nutrients in coastal waters and affects nutrient biogeochemistry. In contrast, little information is available on SGD impacts carbon budgets. Here, we assessed the associated (dissolved inorganic [DIC] total alkalinity [TA]) fluxes Liaodong Bay (the largest bay Bohai Sea, China) discussed their border implications for DIC budget buffering capacity. Based 223 Ra 228 mass balance models, flux was estimated to be (0.92–1.43) × 10 9 m 3 d −1 . contributor DIC, accounting 55%–77% sources. The low ratio (<1) SGD‐derived TA negative correlation between radium isotopes pH seawater implied that would potentially reduce Bay. Combining data with literature data, found off China 4–9 times greater than those from rivers. By analyzing TA/DIC ratios along Chinese coast related fluxes, thought partially CO 2 buffer capacity receiving seawater. These results obtained at scale national suggest a significant component may play critical role modulating atmospheric sequestration.