Temperature sensitivity of freshwater denitrification and N ₂ O emission – a meta‐analysis

Freshwater denitrification removes a considerable amount of nitrogen from inland waters, which are under pressure eutrophication and warming. However, incomplete can lead to the formation N2O, potent greenhouse gas, amplify climatic Although temperature effects on well studied in individual habitats experiments, global patterns temperature-responses N2O emissions remain be elucidated. Here, we investigated sensitivity (Q10) freshwater ecosystems worldwide, using meta-analytic approach. To this end, Q10 values in-situ manipulation studies were related environmental nutrient conditions, O2, pH, sediment organic matter (SOM), geographic location. Temperature displayed strong positive correlation with concentrations, pH O2. Significant correlations SOM SOM:N ratios observed as well, but direction effect differed between studies. Surprisingly, did not correlate SOM, or O2 conditions. ratio emission NO3− concentration (adapted EF5 values) was 6.6 times higher Australia New Zealand compared other regions. As temperatures deposition expected increase over coming decades, our results suggest enhanced future denitrification, may present natural way balance eutrophication. The factors, however, indicate denitrification-derived warmer world.