Biogeochemical Effects of Simulated Sea Level Rise on Carbon Loss in an Everglades Mangrove Peat Soil

Authors

Lisa G. Chambers, Saint Louis UniversityFollow
Stephen E. Davis, Everglades FoundationFollow
Tiffany Troxler-Gann, Southeast Environmental Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International UniversityFollow
Joseph N. Boyer, Plymouth State UniversityFollow
Alan Downey-Wall, Texas A & M University - Corpus ChristiFollow
Leanord J. Scinto, Southeast Environmental Research Center and Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International UniversityFollow

Abstract

Saltwater intrusion and inundation can affect soil microbial activity, which regulates the carbon (C) balance in mangroves and helps to determine if these coastal forests can keep pace with sea level rise (SLR). This study evaluated the effects of increased salinity (+15 ppt), increased inundation (−8 cm), and their combination, on soil organic C loss from a mangrove peat soil (Everglades, Florida, USA) under simulated tides. Soil respiration (CO2 flux), methane (CH4) flux, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) production, and porewater nutrient concentrations were quantified. Soil respiration was the major pathway of soil organic C loss (94–98%) and was approximately 90% higher in the control water level than the inundated treatment under elevated salinity. Respiration rate increased with water temperature, but depended upon salinity and tidal range. CH4 flux was minimal, while porewater DOC increased with a concomitant, significant decline in soil bulk density under increased inundation. Porewater ammonium increased (73%) with inundation and soluble reactive phosphorus increased (32%) with salinity. Overall, the decline in soil organic C mineralization from combined saltwater intrusion and prolonged inundation was not significant, but results suggest SLR could increase this soil’s susceptibility to peat collapse and accelerate nutrient and DOC export to adjacent Florida Bay.

Comments

The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-013-1764-6

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program under Cooperative Agreements #DEB-1237517, #DBI-0620409, and #DEB-9910514. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Recommended Citation

Chambers, L.G., S.E. Davis, T. Troxler, A. Downey-Wall, J.N. Boyer, L.J. Scinto. 2014. Biogeochemical effects of simulated sea level rise on carbon loss in an Everglades mangrove peat soil. Hydrobiologia 726: 195-211. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-013-1764-6