Analysis of Carbon Cycle Interference Mechanisms in Karst Rivers under the Combined Influence of Acid Mine Drainage and Multi-source Anthropogenic Pollution.

Acid mine drainage increases CO2 emissions in karst rivers by up to 9.94 times, disrupting carbon sequestration and intensifying basin-wide carbon release.

• Why it matters: Understanding how AMD influences carbon cycling is crucial because it exacerbates environmental risks and hampers natural carbon sinks in sensitive karst ecosystems.
• What they did: The study analyzed hydrochemical data, DIC, and carbon isotopes from 2024 to 2025 in the Yudong River Basin, focusing on AMD and anthropogenic impacts on carbon dynamics.
• The result: Findings reveal AMD-driven hydrochemical changes significantly boost CO2 emissions, accounting for 63% of basin emissions, and highlight multiple pollution sources that alter carbon pathways and reduce sequestration efficiency.