Low contribution of oxic methane production in shallow productive lakes.

ABSTRACT: Whereas the occurrence of oxic methane (CH₄) production (OMP) in the oxygenated water column of lakes is widely accepted, its mechanisms, isotopic signature, and contribution to total CH₄ emissions remain uncertain. Evidence suggests that phytoplankton produces CH₄, but it is unclear how this pathway contributes to ecosystem OMP rates. Shallow lakes are often productive and feature high phytoplankton biomass, which could potentially lead to high OMP rates and a substantial contribution to CH₄ emissions. Here we present results of a field mesocosm study carried out in three shallow lakes in the Pampean Plain (Argentina), designed to assess their ambient OMP dynamics. We combined this with laboratory experiments designed to estimate the potential CH₄ producti

SUBMITTER: Balina S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12695950 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature