Comparison of sulfur concentrations within lake sediment profiles

Abstract

Sediment cores from lakes in four regions (Adirondacks, Northern New England, Northern Great Lakes States, and Northern Florida) were analyzed for total S concentration. In all regions S concentrations in pre-1900 (1820-1900) sediment were similar and pre-1900 net sediment accumulation rates of S were not significantly different. Sulfur enrichment was greatest in Adirondack lake sediment (Big Moose L., Upper Wallface P., Queer L., and Deep L.), which had total post-1900 S accumulation of 1.1 to 7.4 times pre-1900 S accumulation; post-1900 net sediment accumulation rates of S were significantly greater than the other regions. Sediment from Maine (Little Long P. and Haystack P.) and Vermont (Mud P.) generally had lower S concentration than Adirondack sediments. Sulfur enrichment factors in these lakes ranged from 1.2 to 2.1. There was a positive correlation between contemporary limnetic sulfate concentration and post-1900 net sediment accumulation rates for Adirondack and Northern New England study lakes. Sediment from the Northern Great Lakes States region (McNearney, Andrus, Hustler L. and Dunnigan L.) had similar S concentration and distribution with depth to Northern New England sediment. In two Northern Florida lakes (Mirrow and Fore) sediment showed little variation in S concentration with depth, but L. Mary and L. Barco had higher S in deeper layers (30-55 cm). These different patterns of S distribution among lakes were attributed to differences in limnetic sulfate concentration, organic and inorganic sedimentation, and S diagenesis.

Century changes in Connecticut, U.S.A., lakes as inferred from siliceous algal remains and their relationships to land‐use change

“…If the reduced sulfur becomes permanently buried in the lake sediments, the gain in alkalinity becomes permanent (Giblin et al 1990). Such in-lake alkalinity generation through the burial of sulfides may be enhanced by elevated sulfate concentrations, changes in hypolimnetic anoxia, or increased delivery of organic matter to the sediments (Mitchell et al 1988;Murray 1994).…”

Recent sulfur enrichment in the sediments of Little Rock Lake. Wisconsin

“…Several investigators have reported elevated sulfur in recent sediments from lakes in the eastern U.S. and Canada (Nriagu and Soon 1985;Mitchell et al 1988;Carignan and Tessier 1988). Nriagu and Soon (1985) concluded that marked elevations in S concentrations are unlikely to be observed in lakes with [S0,2-] >5 mg l&x1 (100 I.leq liter-I); Mitchell et al ( 1988) reported mixed results for four upper midwest lakes, with two showing no recent enrichment and two showing enrichment.…”

“…Nriagu and Soon (1985) concluded that marked elevations in S concentrations are unlikely to be observed in lakes with [S0,2-] >5 mg l&x1 (100 I.leq liter-I); Mitchell et al ( 1988) reported mixed results for four upper midwest lakes, with two showing no recent enrichment and two showing enrichment. Although the increase in TS in our cores is small (l&62%), all four exhibit an increase beginnmg in the early 19009, clearly suggesting a relationship to increased atmospheric SOd2-deposition.…”

A comment on “Sulfur storage and alkalinity generation in New England lake sediments” (Giblin et al.)

“…Norton et al 1988). However, in one of these two cases (Mirror Lake), samples from the top 5 cm (most recent -30 yr) had lower concentrations of total S than recorded in sediment horizons predating 1900 (cf.…”

“…However, two of their generalizations appear inadequately supported by the data, and two other geochemical relationships, although mentioned, seemingly deserve greater emphasis. In addressing these matters I also re-evaluate the paleolimnological data published by Norton et al ( 19 8 8) and Mitchell et al (1988).…”