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Arsenic retention and release in ombrotrophic peatlands
J J Rothwell1, K G Taylor, E L Ander
1Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK. james.rothwell@manchester.ac.uk
The Science of the Total Environment
|November 18, 2008
Summary
Arsenic (As) mobility in peatlands is influenced by organic matter and water levels. Drying and re-wetting cycles increase As release, impacting stream water quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Soil Science
Background:
- Ombrotrophic peatlands are understudied regarding arsenic (As) biogeochemistry.
- Atmospheric deposition has led to significant As contamination in UK peat soils.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate As retention and release mechanisms in contaminated ombrotrophic peat soils.
- Determine the role of organic matter and environmental conditions on As mobility.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of solid-phase As, iron (Fe), and lead (Pb) concentrations.
- Stream water sampling to measure dissolved As and dissolved organic carbon (DOC).
- Assessment of As distribution in relation to water table fluctuations and redox conditions.
Main Results:
- Solid-phase As and Fe concentrations are correlated under drying, oxic conditions but decoupled in wetter zones.
- As exhibits post-depositional mobility where water tables fluctuate, but is immobile in waterlogged areas.
- Dissolved As concentrations in streams are highly variable (0.20–7.28 µg L⁻¹) and correlate with DOC, especially during stormflow after re-wetting.
Conclusions:
- Organic matter plays a key role in As dynamics in ombrotrophic peatlands.
- Drying and re-wetting cycles, altering redox status, increase As mobility.
- Further research is needed on As binding mechanisms and climate change impacts on As cycling.
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