Microbial carbon processing in oligotrophic Lake Lucerne (Switzerland): results of in situ 13C-labelling studies

Abstract

Although lakes play a major role in the storage of organic carbon, processes involved are not yet very well characterized, especially for oligotrophic lakes. Whether a lake functions as a net source or sink for carbon depends on relative rates of primary production, inputs of terrestrial organic matter and respiration. The microbial community will affect the efficiency of carbon cycling and thereby potential carbon storage. Because the organic matter fluxes are smaller in oligotrophic lakes they have been studied less intensively with respect to their carbon cycling compared to eutrophic lakes. Whether they play an appreciable role in freshwater carbon cycling relies on unraveling primary and secondary production. Here we present the results from such a study in oligotrophic Lake