Development of a protocol for recognizing sulfidic sediments (potential acid sulfate soils) in freshwater wetlands: Research report

Abstract

The presence of sulfidic sediments (potential acid sulfate soils) is an emerging problem in the management of inland wetlands. Using data from 81 wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin, a simple protocol was developed to assess whether a wetland will contain sulfidic sediments at levels that could cause ecological damage. Risk factors include whether or not the wetland receives municipal waste or irrigation return water, elevated salinity in the overlying water (>1750 μS/cm) or sediment (400 μS/cm in a 1:5 soil: water extract) and high levels of sulfate in the water column (>10 mg/L). Neutral or basic sediment pH indicates that, even if the sediment does contain sulfidic sediments, there is a reduced likelihood of acidification if the sediments are oxidized. © 2007 CSIRO Journal compilation © 2007 Ecological Society of Australia.