GeoEcoMar is a partner in the DECARI project and leads the research component “Carbon Cycling in the Aquatic System of the Danube Delta”, one of the project’s two main scientific directions. Through this activity, the institute contributes to strengthening the research capacity of the Romanian national research infrastructure DANUBIUS-RO, part of the European research infrastructure DANUBIUS-RI, while supporting the implementation of its Scientific Agenda.

The research focuses on investigating the processes controlling the transport, transformation, export and storage of carbon within the Danube–Danube Delta–Black Sea continuum, as well as assessing the role of aquatic ecosystems in the regional and global carbon cycle. The study is based on integrated research campaigns conducted on a monthly basis throughout the project in order to capture the seasonal and hydrological variability of the system. These campaigns include in situ measurements of the water’s physico-chemical and biogeochemical parameters, determination of CO₂ and CH₄ concentrations and water-atmosphere fluxes, quantification of the major carbon fractions (organic and inorganic, dissolved and particulate), laboratory geochemical analyses, and the integration and modelling of the collected data to characterize the biogeochemical functioning of the Danube Delta aquatic ecosystems.

The project will significantly improve our understanding of the biogeochemical functioning of transitional aquatic ecosystems and their role in the carbon cycle, provide new insights into the response of the Danube Delta to climate change, and strengthen the scientific basis for assessing its contribution to the regional and global carbon cycle. Furthermore, the project will reinforce Romania’s contribution to the European research infrastructure DANUBIUS-RI by providing high-quality datasets, methodologies and scientific knowledge relevant to the study of river–sea transition systems.

Expected results:

• Generation of comprehensive spatio-temporal datasets describing carbon cycling within the aquatic system of the Danube Delta, based on integrated monthly field campaigns, in situ measurements, and laboratory physicochemical and geochemical analyses.
• Development of integrated databases describing the dynamics of the major carbon fractions (organic and inorganic, dissolved and particulate), CO₂ and CH₄ concentrations and fluxes, and the physicochemical, geochemical and biological characteristics of the Danube Delta aquatic ecosystems.
• Production of thematic maps, conceptual and quantitative models describing carbon transport, transformation and exchange within the Danube–Danube Delta–Black Sea continuum, together with the integration and upscaling of datasets at the scale of the entire deltaic system.
• Improved understanding of the role of the Danube Delta as a zone of carbon transport, transformation, storage and exchange, together with a quantitative assessment of its contribution to the regional and global carbon cycle.
• Provision of a robust scientific basis for evaluating the impacts of hydrological variability and climate change on the functioning of transitional aquatic ecosystems and for supporting future research and scientific services within DANUBIUS-RI.
• Dissemination and exploitation of project results through publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, presentations at national and international conferences, and integration of the generated knowledge into the activities and Scientific Agenda of DANUBIUS-RI.

Synergies

The DECARI project builds upon the expertise and collaborations developed by GeoEcoMar and INCDSB within the European research infrastructure DANUBIUS-RI, as well as other national and European initiatives dedicated to the study of river–sea transition systems. Through its objectives and activities, the project strengthens the partnership between the two institutes while creating opportunities for expanding collaboration with additional research organizations and future users of the DANUBIUS-RI infrastructure.

DECARI establishes synergies with several major European projects and initiatives, including:

• DANUBIUS-IP – by implementing nationally the research priorities defined in the DANUBIUS-RI Scientific and Innovation Agenda (SIA) and contributing to the development and operational implementation of the European research infrastructure.
• ENVRI-FAIR – by integrating research activities into the European network of environmental research infrastructures and promoting data interoperability and scientific services.
• Danube4All and EcoDALLI – through complementary activities supporting research, innovation and ecosystem restoration within the Danube Basin.
• European Green Deal – by generating scientific knowledge on the role of the Danube Delta in the carbon cycle and supporting strategies for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation.
• Horizon Europe Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” – through research addressing aquatic ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.
• Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) – through the development of methodologies, tools and databases supporting carbon budget assessments, water quality improvement and river basin management planning.