Intensive and extensive nitrogen loss from intertidal permeable sediments of the Wadden Sea

Permeable intertidal sediments of the Wadden Sea act as a significant nitrogen sink, with annual removal rates estimated at 745 ± 109 mmol N m−2 yr−1. This finding highlights their critical role in global nitrogen cycling, particularly since these sediments cover 58–70% of the continental shelf area. The study employed stable nitrogen isotope incubations and modeling to compare diffusive and advective transport conditions, revealing that advective transport enhances nitrogen loss rates by 1–2 orders of magnitude compared to diffusive conditions. Seasonal and spatial variations in nitrogen loss were minimal, with consistent rates of 207 ± 30 µmol m−2 h−1 observed across autumn, spring, and summer. The research underscores the importance of reevaluating the contribution of permeable sediments to global nitrogen budgets.

Gao, H., Matyka, M., Liu, B., Khalili, A., Kostka, J. E., Collins, G., Jansen, S., Holtappels, M., Jensen, M. M., Badewien, T. H., Beck, M., Grunwald, M., de Beer, D., Lavik, G., & Kuypers, M. M. M. (2012). Intensive and extensive nitrogen loss from intertidal permeable sediments of the Wadden Sea. Limnology and Oceanography, 57(1), 185–198. Portico. https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2012.57.1.0185