Potential rates of methanogenesis in peat and marl sawgrass wetlands in the Florida Everglades

Authors

Dave S. Bachoon, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Biology

First Advisor's Name

Ronald D. Jones

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

George Dalrymple

Third Advisor's Name

John C. Makemson

Keywords

Wetland ecology, Florida, Everglades, Methanobacteriaceae, Peat soils, Marl

Date of Defense

9-14-1990

Abstract

Methanogenesis was studied in soils from two sawgrass wetlands of the Florida Everglades. Marl soils exhibited a significantly higher potential rate of methanogenesis than peat soils. In these wetlands, methanogenesis: (1) decreased rapidly with increasing soil depth, (2) increased at higher temperatures and lower Eh, (3) was stimulated by organic compounds (cellulose, glucose and acetate), and (4) remained unaffected by added ammonium. Lowering the Eh in the peat and marl soils with sulfide or sulfate stimulated methanogenesis. In January 1990, phosphate caused a significant increase in methanogenesis. The potential rates of methanogenesis decreased to undetectable levels when water levels dropped below the surface, and peaked one month after the start of the wet season. Methanogenesis appeared to be a relatively important process in carbon cycling in marl soils and these soils do not accumulate peat. Therefore, one possible explanation for peat accumulation in sawgrass wetlands may be their low rates of methanogenesis.

Identifier

FI14050402

Recommended Citation

Bachoon, Dave S., "Potential rates of methanogenesis in peat and marl sawgrass wetlands in the Florida Everglades" (1990). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1362.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1362