Scientists track the flow of trace gases through wetland root systems to understand the role of plants in biogenic gas fluxes.
wetlands
High Methane Emissions Detected During Subarctic Lake Melt
A spike detected in surface methane released from a seasonally ice-covered lake in northern Sweden coincides with the spring thaw and lake overturn.
Oil Dispersants Deadly to a Common Estuary Species
Research on two dispersants used to break up spilled oil suggests that the chemicals can kill or harm a widely–found shrimp important to estuary habitats. The toxicity increases in less salty water.
Salty Secret Might Aid Carbon Impact of Restored Wetlands
Research on a surprising way rainfall affected the salinity of a boreal peatland might help restorers of such wetlands wrecked by tar sands mining maximize carbon absorption of reclaimed marshes.
Drought Changes How Peat Bogs Cycle Mercury and Sulfur
Drought conditions dictate whether atmospherically deposited sulfate stays locked in a peatland or is mobilized to stimulate the bacterial methylation of mercury.
Estuaries May Face Increased Parasitism as Sea Levels Rise
Researchers document how past sea levels changes affected invertebrate health in coastal environments.
A Noninvasive Way to Study Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems
Scientists used a noninvasive method to study the substructure of delicate groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
Understanding Coastal Carbon Cycling by Linking Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches
Synthesis and integration of information on coastal carbon cycling is needed to better constrain carbon budgets.