Comparison of Three Techniques Used To Measure Diffusive Gas Exchange from Sheltered Aquatic Surfaces

Three approaches commonly used to quantify diffusive gas exchange across aquatic surfaces were compared in a densely treed, low-wind environment. Diffusive surface fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) from a small boreal reservoir were estimated using (i) surface water concentrations, th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science & technology 2003-02, Vol.37 (4), p.772-780
Main Authors: Matthews, Cory J. D, St.Louis, Vincent L, Hesslein, Raymond H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis methods
Applied sciences
Aquaculture
Atmospheric pollution
Carbon Dioxide - analysis
Carbon Dioxide - chemistry
Diffusion
Environmental Monitoring - methods
Exact sciences and technology
Gases
Measurement
Methane - analysis
Methane - chemistry
Pollution
Seasons
Surface water
Trees
Water Supply
Wind
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Summary:Three approaches commonly used to quantify diffusive gas exchange across aquatic surfaces were compared in a densely treed, low-wind environment. Diffusive surface fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) from a small boreal reservoir were estimated using (i) surface water concentrations, the thin boundary layer (TBL) equation, and gas transfer velocities (k) calculated using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6); (ii) surface water concentrations, the TBL equation, and k estimated from wind speed; and (iii) static floating chambers (FCs). Comparisons were made during three different ∼10-day intervals (August 2000, June and September 2001). CO2 and CH4 fluxes estimated from SF6-derived k were on average 1−3 times greater than those determined from wind-estimated k. Overall agreement between FC CO2 and CH4 flux estimates and those based on SF6 and wind speed derived k values was much weaker, with FC CO2 and CH4 flux estimates ranging from −9 to 23 times those based on SF6 and wind-estimated k values. Chamber deployment likely enhanced gas transfer through disturbance of the surface boundary layer, and results of this study suggest that caution must be exercised concerning the use of FCs on very still water surfaces. Furthermore, findings of this study contradict the common belief that use of wind speed to approximate k is inappropriate for small bodies of water characterized by low winds and surface obstructions.
ISSN:0013-936X
1520-5851
DOI:10.1021/es0205838