Saltmarsh Pollution

Question 1

What are salt marshes?

Answer 1

Saltmarshes are coastal wetlands characterized by halophytic plants tolerant of salt and marine inundation.

Question 2

What are the controls on Saltmarsh Sedimentation?

Answer 2

Tidal lag sedimentation and hydroperiod influence sediment accumulation rates in saltmarshes.

Question 3

Saltmarsh Sediments and Their Affinity with Pollutants:

Answer 3

Muddy sediments with high organic content have a high affinity for pollutants due to their surface area and chemical properties.

Question 4

Heavy Metals, Radionuclides, and DDT:

Answer 4

Saltmarshes accumulate pollutants like heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), radionuclides (e.g., Am-241, Cs-137), and persistent organic pollutants like DDT.

Question 5

Sediment Accumulation Rates

Answer 5

Sedimentation rates in saltmarshes are influenced by hydroperiod, controlling the depth and concentration of pollutants.

Question 6

Saltmarsh Pollution Sources

Answer 6

Pollution sources include terrestrial runoff, marine sedimentation, airborne dust, direct discharges, decomposition, and water-sediment transfers.

Question 7

Affinity with Pollutants

Answer 7

Saltmarsh sediments’ chemical composition and electrostatic forces facilitate the adsorption and desorption of pollutants.

Question 8

Depth of Pollution and Sedimentation Rates:

Answer 8

The depth and concentration of pollutants are determined by sedimentation rates, which are linked to hydroperiod and environmental factors.

Question 9

Saltmarsh Sediment Cores:

Answer 9

Sediment cores provide historical records of pollution, aiding in understanding past environmental impacts and policy effects.