Microcosm study of biotic vs abiotic sources of buffering in Mercer Marsh
Microcosms were utilized to determine whether the major source of buffering in Mercer Marsh, a naturally occurring urban riparian wetland, is due to biotic or abiotic variables. Three types of systems, each consisting of six microcosms, were constructed. One system consisted of sterilized substrate and sterilized marsh water. The second type of system consisted of sterilized substrate and unsterilized marsh water. The third consisted of unsterilized substrate and unsterilized marsh water. Three microcosms of each type were spiked with sulfuric acid. The spiking of the microcosms lowered the original pH an average of .5 pH units. A subsequent average rise of .7 pH units resulted in all the acid spiked systems over the study period. The system without acid also increased in pH, although at a much slower rate, with an average rise of .2 pH units. The sterilized systems responded in the same manner to the acid spiking as those with unsterilized components, indicating that biota are not needed for buffering. Buffering also occurred in a second group of microcosms without substrate indicating that abiotic materials suspended in the water column are important in this process.
- Research Organization:
- Mercer Univ. Atlanta, GA (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5318082
- Journal Information:
- Ga. J. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 45:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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