Widespread deoxygenation in warming rivers

Wei Zhi, Christoph Klingler, Jiangtao Liu and Li Li ()
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Wei Zhi: The Pennsylvania State University
Christoph Klingler: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
Jiangtao Liu: The Pennsylvania State University
Li Li: The Pennsylvania State University

Nature Climate Change, 2023, vol. 13, issue 10, 1105-1113

Abstract: Abstract Deoxygenation is commonly observed in oceans and lakes but less expected in shallower, flowing rivers. Here we reconstructed daily water temperature and dissolved oxygen in 580 rivers across the United States and 216 rivers in Central Europe by training a deep learning model using temporal weather and water quality data and static watershed attributes (for example, hydro-climate, topography, land use, soil). Results revealed persistent warming in 87% and deoxygenation in 70% of the rivers. Urban rivers demonstrated the most rapid warming, whereas agricultural rivers experienced the slowest warming but fastest deoxygenation. Mean deoxygenation rates (−0.038 ± 0.026 mg l−1 decade−1) were higher than those in oceans but lower than those in temperate lakes. These rates, however, may be underestimated, as training data are from grab samples collected during the day when photosynthesis peaks. Projected future rates are between 1.6 and 2.5 times higher than historical rates, indicating significant ramifications for water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-023-01793-3

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