| Abstract: | We examined concentrations and sulfur isotopic ratios (34S/32S, expressed as ??34S in parts per thousand [???] units) of sulfate in surface water, ground water, and rain water from sites throughout the northern Everglades to establish the sources of sulfur to the ecosystem. The geochemistry of sulfur is of particular interest in the Everglades because of its link, through processes mediated by sulfate -reducing bacteria, to the production of toxic methylmercury in this wetland ecosystem. Methylmercury, a neurotoxin that is bioaccumulated, has been found in high concentrations in freshwater fish from the Everglades, and poses a potential threat to fish-eating wildlife and to human health through fish consumption. Results show that surface water in large portions of the Everglades is heavily contaminated with sulfate, with the highest concentrations observed in canals and marsh areas receiving canal discharge. Spatial patterns in the range of concentrations and ??34S values of sulfate in surface water indicate that the major source of sulfate in sulfur-contaminated marshes is water from canals draining the Everglades Agricultural Area. Shallow ground water underlying the Everglades and rain water samples had much lower sulfate concentrations and ??34S values distinct from those found in surface water. The ??34S results implicate agricultural fertilizer as a major contributor to the sulfate contaminating the Everglades, but ground water under the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) may also be a contributing source. The contamination of the northern Everglades with sulfate from canal discharge may be a key factor in controlling the distribution and extent of methylmercury production in the Everglades. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70025009 |
| Citation Author: | Bates, A. L.; Orem, W. H.; Harvey, J. W.; Spiker, E. C. |
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| Citation End Page: | 299 |
| Citation Issue: | 1 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Journal of Environmental Quality |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 13 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Tracing sources of sulfur in the Florida everglades; 2002; Article; Journal; Journal of Environmental Quality; Bates, A. L.; Orem, W. H.; Harvey, J. W.; Spiker, E. C. |
| Citation Start Page: | 287 |
| Citation Volume: | 31 |
| Citation Year: | 2002 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Tracing sources of sulfur in the Florida everglades; 2002; Article; Journal; Journal of Environmental Quality; Bates, A. L.; Orem, W. H.; Harvey, J. W.; Spiker, E. C. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Tue, 1 Jan 2002 00:00 -0600 |
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