The role of peat decomposition stage on iron solubility and distribution in tidal swamps

Abstract

Most peat layers laying above sulfidic materials have important role in the geochemical cycle in tidal swampland. Depletion of the peat layer increase metal solubility and acidity from sulfidic materials which then potentially polluting and decreasing the quality of the surrounding environment. The purpose of this review was to describe the influence of peat layer thickness and its decomposition stage on iron solubility and distribution in the profile of peat soils and acid sulphate soils located around peatlands. This paper used observational data from a number of articles on peatlands with varies thickness and acid sulphate soils. Peat decomposition stage has important role on the distribution of Fe, the movement and ability of complex formation with Fe. Most of the Fe ions in peatlands were in organic complex form, and organic-Fe concentration in sapric peat layer was higher than hemic peat layer.