Coral carbonate-bound isotopes reveal monsoonal influence on nitrogen sources in Southeastern China's Greater Bay Area from the mid-Holocene until the Anthropocene

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Jonathan D. Cybulski
  • Nicolas N. Duprey
  • Benoit Thibodeau
  • Moriaki Yasuhara
  • Naomi Geeraert
  • And 4 others
  • Nicole Leonard
  • Hubert B. Vonhof
  • Alfredo Martínez-García
  • David M. Baker

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article number115757
Journal / PublicationMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume197
Online published21 Nov 2023
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023
Externally publishedYes

Link(s)

Abstract

Most anthropogenic nitrogen (N) reaches coastal waters via rivers carrying increasing loads of sewage, fertilizer, and sediments. To understand anthropogenic N impacts, we need to understand historical N-dynamics before human influence. Stable isotope ratios of N preserved in carbonates are one way to create temporal N records. However, records that span periods of human occupation are scarce, limiting our ability to contextualize modern N dynamics. Here, we produce a fossil-bound N-record using coral subfossils, spanning 6700 years in China's Greater Bay Area (GBA). We found that during the mid-to-late Holocene, the GBA's coastal N was dominated by fluvial sources. The weakening of the Asia monsoon throughout the late-Holocene decreased river outflow, leading to a relative increase of marine nitrate. This source shift from riverine-to-ocean dominance was overprinted by anthropogenic N. During the late 1980s to early 1990s, human development and associated effluent inundated the coastal system, contributing to the decline of coral communities. © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Research Area(s)

  • China's Greater Bay Area, Coral, Denitrifier method, Nitrogen, Stable-isotopes

Citation Format(s)

Coral carbonate-bound isotopes reveal monsoonal influence on nitrogen sources in Southeastern China's Greater Bay Area from the mid-Holocene until the Anthropocene. / Cybulski, Jonathan D.; Duprey, Nicolas N.; Thibodeau, Benoit et al.
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol. 197, 115757, 12.2023.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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