Drs. DeLaune, Patrick, and Lindau propose to conduct a field and laboratory study of gaseous sulfur production and emissions from Gulf Coast wetlands. Studies of sulfur gas emissions in coastal wetlands have not been extensive enough to establish the biogeochemical conditions and magnitude of sulfur gas production. The site of this study will be Barataria Basin, Louisiana. This basin encompasses one of the largest and most productive estuaries in the United States, with wetland types ranging from salt marsh to fresh marsh. This research will quantify the seasonal and diurnal gaseous fluxes to the atmosphere of H2S and organic sulfur compounds from the wetland types. Sulfur gases trapped in soils will be measured and related to the atmospheric emissions. The role of sediment redox conditions and organic carbon in the formation of gaseous sulfur forms in fresh, brackish, and salt marshes will also be studied using sediment redox controlled microcosms in the laboratory. Gaseous sulfur compounds produced from decomposition of added soil organic matter will be compared to compounds produced from bacterial sulfate reduction. The role of wetland vegetation in production of gaseous sulfur will also be investigated. Drs. DeLaune, Patrick and Lindau are leading researchers in the area of wetland biogeochemistry. The institutional facilities for this research are excellent.
