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Simultaneous onboard analysis of seawater dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and stable isotope ratio (δ13C-DIC)

Citation: Zhentao Sun, X. L., Zhangxian Ouyang, Charles Featherstone, Eliot A. Atekwana, Najid Hussain, Wei-Jun Cai. (2024). Simultaneous onboard analysis of seawater dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and stable isotope ratio (δ13C-DIC). Limnol Oceanogr: Methods. https://doi.org/doi: 10.1002/lom3.10642

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and its stable carbon isotope (δ13C-DIC) are valuable parameters for studying the aquatic carbon cycle and quantifying ocean anthropogenic carbon accumulation rates. However, the potential of this coupled pair is underexploited as only 15% or less of cruise samples have been analyzed for δ13C-DIC because the traditional isotope analysis is labor-intensive and restricted to onshore laboratories. Here, we improved the analytical precision and reported the protocol of an automated, efficient, and high-precision method for ship-based DIC and δ13C-DIC analysis based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). We also introduced a set of stable in-house standards to ensure accurate and consistent DIC and δ13C-DIC measurements, especially on prolonged cruises. With this method, we analyzed over 1600 discrete seawater samples over a 40-d cruise along the North American eastern ocean margin in summer 2022, representing the first effort to collect a large dataset of δ13C-DIC onboard of any oceanographic expedition. We evaluated the method’s uncertainty, which was 1.2 μmol kg−1 for the DIC concentration and 0.03‰ for the δ13C-DIC value (1σ). An interlaboratory comparison of onboard DIC concentration analysis revealed an average offset of 2.0 ± 3.8 μmol kg−1 between CRDS and the coulometry-based results. The cross-validation of δ13C-DIC in the deep-ocean data exhibited a mean difference of only −0.03‰ ± 0.07‰, emphasizing the consistency with historical data. Potential applications in aquatic biogeochemistry are discussed.

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ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

50 more ways to reduce your carbon footprint >

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action