Particle Triggered Reactions as an Important Mechanism of Alkalinity and Inorganic Carbon Removal in River Plumes

The effects of heterogeneous reactions between river-borne particles and the carbonate system were studied in plumes Mississippi Brazos rivers. Measurements within these revealed significant removal dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) total alkalinity (TA). After accounting for all known DIC TA sinks sources, (i.e., CaCO3 precipitation cation exchange adsorbed ions) found to be responsible a fraction removal, exceeding 10% 90%, respectively, plume waters. This finding was corroborated by laboratory experiments, which seeding seawater with riverine induced TA. combined results demonstrate that may represent an important controlling mechanism particle-rich coastal areas significantly impact cycle.