Spatiotemporal Variations and Emission Characteristics of CO2 Fluxes in Deep Large Reservoirs

Lei Ren; Sheng Xu; Peng Zheng; Xiaoxiong Zhang; Jialong Liu

doi:10.2478/eces-2026-0018

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Spatiotemporal Variations and Emission Characteristics of CO2 Fluxes in Deep Large Reservoirs

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S

Volume 33 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)

By: Lei Ren , Sheng Xu , Peng Zheng , Xiaoxiong Zhang and Jialong Liu

Open Access

|Jul 2026

Abstract

Climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions is a global priority. Deep large reservoirs represent significant potential emission sources, yet their greenhouse gas source-sink dynamics and driving mechanisms remain inadequately understood. This study targeted three representative deep reservoirs of the upper Yellow River (Longyangxia (LYX), Lijiaxia (LJX), and Liujiaxia (LJXX)). Comparative analysis of water column conditions during the stratification period (summer) and mixing period (winter) was conducted. We quantified the spatial distribution of dissolved partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂) and the water-air interface exchange flux (F_CO₂), elucidating their spatiotemporal patterns and carbon source-sink attributes. Key findings include: (1) Concentration and Flux Characteristics: Mean pCO₂ was 765.00 μatm in summer and 739.00 μatm in winter. Corresponding mean F_CO₂ was 12.273 mmol/(m2·d) and 9.111 mmol/(m²·d). (2) Regulatory Mechanisms: Thermal stratification, climatic fluctuations, and reservoir-specific properties influenced pCO₂ by modulating carbon cycling pathways and carbonate equilibria. (3) Source-Sink Nature: All three reservoirs exhibited significant spatial gradients and seasonal variations in pCO₂ and F_CO₂, collectively functioning as sources of the CO₂. This study provides critical theoretical support for quantifying the carbon footprint of hydropower projects.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/eces-2026-0018 | Journal eISSN: 2084-4549 | Journal ISSN: 1898-6196

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Language: English

Page range: 329 - 345

Published on: Jul 14, 2026

Published by: Society of Ecological Chemistry and Engineering

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

reservoir,

CO₂ exchange flux,

thin boundary layer model,

Related subjects:

Ecology,

Sustainable and green chemistry

© 2026 Lei Ren, Sheng Xu, Peng Zheng, Xiaoxiong Zhang, Jialong Liu, published by Society of Ecological Chemistry and Engineering
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Volume 33 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)