Desiccation time and rainfall control gaseous carbon fluxes in an intermittent stream

Abstract Droughts are recognized to impact global biogeochemical cycles. However, the implication of desiccation on in-stream carbon (C) cycling is not well understood yet. We subjected sediments from a lowland, organic rich intermittent stream experimental over 9-week-period investigate temporal changes in microbial functional traits relation their redox requirements, dioxide (CO 2 ) and methane (CH 4 fluxes water-soluble (WSOC). Concurrently, implications rewetting by simulated short rainfalls (4 21 mm) gaseous C were tested. Early triggered dynamic CO CH with peak values 383 30 mg m −2 h −1 (mean ± SD), respectively, likely response enhanced aerobic mineralization accelerated evasion. At longer desiccation, dropped abruptly, because reduced abundance anaerobic traits. The ceased later, suggesting activity was constrained only extended time. found that rainfall boosted , which modulated size preceding Desiccation also amount WSOC proportion labile compounds leaching sediment. It remains questionable extent sediment pool influenced respiration processes, uptake cell lysis due drying-rewetting highlight severity dry period, controlled its duration presence precipitation events, needs detailed consideration estimate flow riverine fluxes.