Volume 30, Issue 2-5, June 2026
EPIKARST SPRINGS AS ATMOSPHERIC CO₂ SINKS IN A TROPICAL KARST ENVIRONMENT: EVID ENCE FROM THE GUNUNGSEWU KARST, INDONESIA
Authors: Rasyiida Acintya, Tjahyo Nugroho Adji, Ahmad Cahyadi, Wafiq Nur Azizah, Akhmad Singgih
Abstract: Karst ecosystems, covering 15% of global land, serve as vital carbon sinks, especially in the epikarst zone. This study examines the carbon sink capacity of epikarst spring catchments using field data from August 2022 to July 2023. Applying the hydrochem-discharge method, discharge and dissolved bicarbon ate (HCO3-) concentrations were analyzed at two-week intervals. The results reveal that epikarst springs absorb atmospheric CO2 at rates of 747.34–787.00 tons/km2/year, significantly surpassing non-epikarst springs (576.92 tons/km2/year). This sequestration capacity is driven by seasonal rainfall, discharge volume, and ion levels. Compared to other karst regions on Java Island, , these springs demonstrate superior absorption, highlighting their critical importance in the global carbon cycle.
Keywords: epikarst springs; atmospheric CO2 sequestration; Gunungsewu karst; dissolution processes
Article info:
Received: Received: March 28, 2026| Revised: July 7, 2026| Accepted: July 28, 2026