Dual carbon isotopes (δ13C and Δ14C) were used to reveal the main sources and input fluxes of dissolved inorganic carbon in a karst reservoir in winter

In karst areas, the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations in aquatic systems are typically higher than that in non-karst areas due to intensive carbonate rock weathering. Understanding the sources and input fluxes of DIC in karst reservoirs is crucial for regional carbon cycle studies. This study utilized dual carbon isotopes (delta C-13(DIC) and Delta C-14(DIC)) to estimate the contribution rates and input fluxes of DIC from various sources in Aha Reservoir (AHR), located in southwestern China. Our results indicated that the DIC concentrations (22.33-32.79 mg L-1) and delta C-13(DIC) values (-10.02 parts per thousand to -8.55 parts per thousand) were nearly homogeneous both vertically and laterally in the reservoir (p > 0.05). The Delta C-14(DIC) values (-246.31 parts per thousand to -137.86 parts per thousand) were homogeneous along the vertical profile (p > 0.05), but showed significant horizontal variation (p < 0.05), with values decreasing from -149.57 +/- 10.27 parts per thousand to -232.85 +/- 2.37 parts per thousand at the mouths of the inflowing rivers. We found that the inflowing rivers were the primary DIC sources to AHR, contributing 70% of the total input, while groundwater and atmospheric CO2 contributions were relatively minor, at 18% and 12%, respectively. The Jinzhong River (JZR), influenced by industrial and domestic wastewater discharge, contributed the largest DIC input flux at 2.01 t/(km(2)<middle dot>mon). In contrast, the Youyu River (YYR), influenced by acidic mine drainage, and the Baiyan River (BYR), influenced by agricultural activities, contributed relatively smaller DIC input fluxes of 1.29 t/(km(2)<middle dot>mon) and 1.03 t/(km(2)<middle dot>mon), respectively. This study highlights the significant impact of anthropogenic activities on DIC input in AHR, with industrial and domestic wastewater discharges having a greater influence than agricultural activities and acidic mine wastewater inputs. These findings underscore the critical need to manage and mitigate the impacts of human activities on karst reservoir ecosystems.