Dynamics of biogenic Si in freshwater tidal marshes: Si regeneration and retention in marsh sediments (Scheldt estuary) |
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Authors: | Eric Struyf Stijn Temmerman Patrick Meire |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biology, Ecosystem Management Research Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1C, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;(2) Department of Biology, Research Group Polar Ecology, Limnology and Paleobiology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1C, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;(3) Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Centre for Estuarine and Marine Ecology, PO box 140, 4400 AC Yerseke, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | The sequestration and recycling of biogenic silica (BSi) in freshwater tidal marshes was modelled through the combination
of short-term year round sediment trap data with a long-term sedimentation model, MARSED. The modelling was implemented through
the complete evolution from a young rapidly rising marsh to a marsh with an elevation close to mean high water. BSi in imported
suspended matter was higher in summer (10.9 mg BSi g−1 sediment) than winter (7.6 mg BSi g−1 sediment). However, the deposition of BSi on the marsh surface was higher in winter compared to summer, due to the higher
sedimentation rates. Deposition of BSi was correlated to the suspended matter deposition. In the old marsh, yearly about 40 g
BSi m−2 was deposited, while in the young marsh deposition could rise up to 300 g m−2. Young marshes retained up to 85% of the imported biogenic silica. Recycling efficiency (60%) increased drastically for older
marshes. The study shows that marshes act as important sinks for BSi along estuaries. The recycling of the imported BSi to
DSi in summer and spring is most likely an essential factor in the buffering role of tidal marshes for estuarine DSi concentrations. |
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Keywords: | Biogenic silica dynamics Numerical modelling Freshwater tidal marshes Scheldt estuary |
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