Wildfire smoke may be destroying marine carbon storage

New research from the University of British Columbia suggests that wildfires may fundamentally change the way our oceans store carbon, which could turn key climate allies into sources of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

The study analyzed 20-year water quality data from the Fraser River Basin in Canada and found that fires explained up to 16.3% of water quality changes, which had a great impact on such a large river system.

The largest hole punch for delay effect packaging

The study found something unexpected: While fires near the waterway immediately affect water quality, the most eye-catching change occurred 7-10 months after the spring snow melt. “Using monitoring data collected by Environment Canada over the past 20 years, we calculated that 16.3% of the water quality changes can be attributed to wildfires,” said Dr. Brian Hunt, a professor at the Institute of Oceans and Fisheries.

This timing is important because it is related to when the rivers rush a lot of material into coastal waters. The study found that this delayed flushing agent carries increased levels of toxic metals such as nitrogen, phosphorus and arsenic, cadmium and lead to entry into marine ecosystems.

Carbon storage issues

Perhaps the most worrying thing is that fires may destroy the ocean’s role as carbon sinks. The black carbon formed when trees normally circulate slowly in the marine environment forms, and when buried in marine sediments, it helps isolate carbon from the atmosphere.

But climate change is changing the game. “Most of the current water in the Fraser River comes from melting snow, but with climate change, this may turn into more rain-driven in the future,” explained Emily Brown, a research scientist at the Institute of Oceans and Fisheries. This change could lead to “exporting dissolved black carbon into the ocean faster, meaning carbon stubbornness may weaken, and black carbon may become an additional source of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Risk Marine Food Network

This study shows cascading changes through the entire ecosystem. The increased nutrient load can trigger excessive algae blossoms, eventually depleting oxygen levels and harming fish, shellfish and other marine animals. This presents a special challenge to the Salishi Sea, where the Fraser River deposits its contents.

What is particularly important for this study is its scale. Previous wildfires-water quality studies focused on small streams near burning sites. This analysis examines the cumulative effect of the entire major river basin, which is one quarter of the land area of ​​British Columbia.

Indigenous Solutions

Researchers point out that indigenous fire management is part of the solution. “Indigenous countries have applied to these landscapes for thousands of years to manage resources and protect their communities.” Colonial fire extinguishing has led to dangerous fuel accumulation throughout the province.

The study calls for the restoration of a more natural fire system in British Columbia through Indigenous-led management, including increasing cultural and prescription burns, removing regulatory barriers, and establishing a governance structure led by Indigenous people.

What is the future

As fire seasons grow globally, understanding these water-ocean connections becomes crucial. The Fraser River system affects its biogeochemistry in the Salishi Sea receiving waters, making these discoveries relevant to global coastal ecosystems.

Researchers stress that while drinking water treatment can protect human health, the effects of downstream oceans may worsen as fire frequency and intensity increase. This study provides a new lens to understand how interconnected Earth systems from forests to rivers to oceans rotate through interconnected Earth systems.

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