Conference presentation
The effect of tidal movements on sulfur cycling in mangrove sediments using stable isotopes (Goldschmidt)
Vol.72(12, suppl. 1), p.A585
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
V. M. Goldschmidt Conference : From Sea to Sky, 18th (Vancouver, Canada, 13/07/2008 - 18/07/2008)
2008
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Abstract
<p>The management and remediation of acid sulfate soils relies on an understanding of the processes that underlie their formation and biogeochemical behaviour. To help identify and understand these complex processes, stable isotopes of sulfur and oxygen can be used. Mangrove sediments represent currently forming acid sulfate soils, so understanding the processes operating as these sediments are laid down may provide some insight into the characteristics observed in much older materials. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of tidal movements on sulfur cycling in mangrove sediments using stable isotopes.<p/>
<p>Mangrove sediment samples were collected from an estuary in Ballina, eastern Australia every 1.5 hours over a 12 hour period. Samples were collected to a depth of 40 cm and frozen with liquid nitrogen. Stable sulfur isotopes ratios were determined on the sulfate and sulfide fraction of the sediment and accompanying pore waters.<p/>
<p>The sulfur isotope signature of the sulfide fraction remained relatively consistent throughout the profiles and during tidal changes. The signature of the sulfate fraction however recorded a significant decrease from seawater sulfate values during low tide. When the sediments are exposed to air, sulfides which have a light isotope signature are oxidised to produce isotopically light sulfate. This light sulfate is retained in the sediment pore water during low tide until it is either washed from the profile or diluted by the isotopically heavier seawater sulfate during high tide. <p/>
Details
- Title
- The effect of tidal movements on sulfur cycling in mangrove sediments using stable isotopes (Goldschmidt)
- Creators
- Edward D Burton - Southern Cross UniversityLeigh A Sullivan - Southern Cross UniversityCrystal Mayer - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Vol.72(12, suppl. 1), p.A585
- Conference
- V. M. Goldschmidt Conference : From Sea to Sky, 18th (Vancouver, Canada, 13/07/2008 - 18/07/2008)
- Publisher
- Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
- Identifiers
- 1994; 991012820934402368
- Academic Unit
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Southern Cross GeoScience; Faculty of Science and Engineering; Science
- Resource Type
- Conference presentation