Accumulation of plant nutrients and heavy metals through sedimentation processes and accretion in a Louisiana salt marsh (original) (raw)

Abstract

The accumulation of selected plant nutrients and heavy metals in a rapidly accreting Louisiana salt marsh was examined. Sedimentation processes were shown to be supplying large amounts of plant nutrients to the marsh. Accumulation of heavy metals was low and appeared to be associated with the natural heavy metal content of incoming sediment rather than from a pollution source. A large portion of organic carbon from primary production remained in the marsh, contributing to the aggradation process of vertical marsh accretion. Nitrogen accumulated in the marsh at rates as great as 21 g per m2 per yr.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Laboratory for Wetland Soils and Sediments Center for Wetland Resources, Louisiana State University, 70803, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
   R. D. DeLaune, C. N. Reddy & W. H. Patrick

Authors

1. R. D. DeLaune
2. C. N. Reddy
3. W. H. Patrick

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DeLaune, R.D., Reddy, C.N. & Patrick, W.H. Accumulation of plant nutrients and heavy metals through sedimentation processes and accretion in a Louisiana salt marsh.Estuaries 4, 328–334 (1981). https://doi.org/10.2307/1352157

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• Issue date: December 1981
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1352157

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