Sulfide variation in the pore and surface waters of artificial salt-marsh ditches and a natural tidal creek

Pore and surface water sulfide variation near artificial ditches and a natural creek are examined in salt marshes bordering the Indian River Lagoon in east-central Florida. Pore water sulfide concentrations ranged from 0 μg-at I^?1 to 1,640 μg-at I^?1. On average, the natural creek had the lowest sulfide concentrations (mean <1.0 μ-at I^?1) and the perimeter ditch of a managed salt marsh impoundment the highest (436.5 μg-at I^?1). There was a trend of increasing sulfide concentration in the summer, and sharp peaks in late fall-early winter which correspond with peak litter input into the sediments. Significant differences in sulfide concentration between sites are attributed to differences in water flow and in organic matter content. Delaying the seasonal opening of culverts (which connect impounded marshes with the lagoon) until lagoon water levels rise in fall may prevent massive fish kills that have been associated with high sulfide levels in the impoundment perimeter ditches.