Lake eutrophication increases unprotected organic carbon pools in sediments: dataset

In this study, we combined a global compilation of Fe–OC observations, regional surveys of lake sediments, spatial and seasonal investigations in eutrophic lakes, incubation experiments, and FT-ICR MS molecular characterization to examine how eutrophication regulates Fe-mediated carbon preservation.

Our results show that bloom-prone lakes exhibit more dynamic Fe–OC interactions, characterized by enhanced reactive Fe mobilization, frequent redox fluctuations, and greater inputs of algal-derived organic matter. Experimental redox fluctuations combined with algal organic matter addition caused Fe–OC losses of up to approximately 68%, while molecular-level analyses revealed substantial restructuring of the Fe-associated OC pool.