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Assessment of carbon sequestration and hazardous chemical storage in reed habitats of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve’s fluvio-marine sector

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Danube Delta, a dynamic alluvial plain, serves as a substantial carbon sink due to its extensive stands of reeds, specifically Phragmites australis. This study quantifies carbon storage across five distinct reedbed types based on substrate characteristics, using biomass assessment, soil carbon analysis, and GIS-based spatial mapping. Results show that reeds on salinized organic soils (S-Pa) have the highest carbon storage capacity (8.595 t/ha C), while those on gleyic soils (S-F) have the lowest storage levels (0.463 t/ha C). Furthermore, an analysis of heavy metal contamination (Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn) over 5 years revealed concentrations below regulatory thresholds, with a declining trend. The analysis indicates that reeds have notable potential for pollutant sequestration, particularly in aquatic vegetation and soil. These findings highlight the crucial role of deltaic wetland ecosystems in carbon sequestration and contaminant retention, underscoring the need for sustainable management strategies.

Source: Scientific Annals of the Danube Delta Institute

DOI: 10.3897/saddi.30.159714

Authors: Iasemin Suliman, Iuliana-Mihaela Tudor, Silviu Covaliov, Mihai Doroftei, Oliver Livanov, Orhan Ibram, Adrian Burada, Cristina Despina, Daniela Seceleanu-Odor, Petre-Bogdan Gheorghe, Nicoleta Matei, Cristian Trifanov, Marian Mierlă, Dragoș Balaican, Matei Simionov, Marian Tudor

Institutions: Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, University of Bucharest, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati

Language: English

Topic: Coastal wetland ecosystem dynamics

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Climate action, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4414914244

FWCI:

Cites: 12

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