Processes of carbon-nitrogen coupling and the regulation in estuarine wetland.

Estuarine wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem services through carbon and nitrogen cycling. However, escalating nitrogen inputs from human activities, coupled with global environmental change, are altering carbon uptake, turnover, and storage. We synthesized current knowledge on the biogeochemical responses of estuarine wetlands to increasing nitrogen loading, with emphasis on the interactive pathways linking soil/sediment, vegetation, and atmosphere. Based on the understanding of key coupling processes, we discussed potential implementation pathways from a nature-based solutions (NbS) perspective to enhance nitrogen reduction and carbon sequestration, aiming to provide a scientific reference for mitigating coastal eutrophication and improving the carbon-sink function of estuarine wetlands.