Constraining modern‐day silicon cycling in Lake Baikal

A significant portion of dissolved silicon (DSi) entering Lake Baikal, the world's oldest and deepest lake, is exported into its sediment record, accounting for 20–24% of total input. This finding highlights the role lakes play in sequestering continental DSi, which has implications for understanding nutrient fluxes to the ocean and the interplay between silicon and carbon cycles. The study used silicon isotope data (δ30SiDSi) from Lake Baikal and its catchment, revealing no seasonal or anthropogenic impact on riverine δ30SiDSi composition. Spatial variations in spring bloom nutrient utilization were also observed, with lower rates in the northern basin compared to the southern basin. The research employed an open system model to estimate DSi export and examined seasonal and spatial variations across the lake.

Panizzo, V. N., Swann, G. E. A., Mackay, A. W., Vologina, E., Alleman, L., André, L., Pashley, V. H., & Horstwood, M. S. A. (2017). Constraining modern‐day silicon cycling in Lake Baikal. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 31(3), 556–574. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/2016gb005518