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Seasonal Influence of the Needle Rush Juncus roemarianus on Saltmarsh Pore Water Geochemistry

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Abstract

Previous studies have shown that saltmarsh macrophytes have a significant influence on sediment biogeochemistry, both through radial release of oxygen from roots and also via primary production and release of labile organic exudates from roots. To assess the seasonal influence of the needle rush, Juncus roemarianus, on saltmarsh sediment geochemistry, pore waters and sediments were collected from the upper 50 cm of two adjacent sites, one unvegetated and the other vegetated by Juncus roemarianus, in a Georgia saltmarsh during winter and summer. Pore waters collected at 1- to 2-cm intervals were analyzed for pH, alkalinity, dissolved phosphate, ammonium, Fe(II), Fe(III), Mn(II), sulfide, sulfate, and organic carbon. Sediments were collected at 5-cm intervals and analyzed for iron distribution in the solid phase using a two-step sequential extraction. The upper 50 cm of the sediment pore waters are mostly sulfidic during both winter and summer. The pore water and sediment geochemistry suggest organic matter degradation is coupled mostly to Fe(III) and sulfate reduction. In summer, there is greater accumulation of alkalinity, sulfide, ammonium, and phosphate in the pore waters and lower levels of ascorbate extractable Fe, which is presumed to be comprised primarily of readily reducible Fe(III) oxides, in the sediments, consistent with higher organic matter degradation rates in summer compared to winter. Lower pH, alkalinity, ammonium, and sulfide concentrations in sediments with Juncus, compared to nearby unvegetated sediments, is consistent with release of oxygen into the Juncus rhizosphere, especially during summer.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Western Michigan University Faculty Research and Activities Support Fund for providing funding for this study. We also thank the staff at the University of Georgia Marine Institute, especially Jon Garbisch, for their help with housing, laboratory space and other logistics. This study benefited from additional support from the National Science Foundation CAREER program (NSF-EAR 0348435). Laboratory and field assistance from Keith Boneburg, Johnson Haas, Nancy Morgan, Tracy Lund, Jessica Schoonhoven, and Amy Nowakowski is greatly appreciated. Insightful and thorough reviews from two anonymous reviewers are also appreciated.

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  1. Department of Geosciences, Environmental Studies Program, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA

    Carla M. Koretsky & Douglas Miller

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  1. Carla M. Koretsky
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Correspondence to Carla M. Koretsky.

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Koretsky, C.M., Miller, D. Seasonal Influence of the Needle Rush Juncus roemarianus on Saltmarsh Pore Water Geochemistry. Estuaries and Coasts: J CERF 31, 70–84 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-007-9000-0

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