Spatial Mapping for Managing Oxidized Pyrite (FeS2) in South Sumatra Wetlands, Indonesia

M Edi Armanto

doi:10.20527/jwem.v2i2.27

Abstract

<p>The research aimed to analyze spatial mapping for managing oxidized pyrite (FeS<sub>2</sub>) in South Sumatra wetlands, Indonesia. The field observations are done by exploring several transect on land units. The field description refers to Soil Survey Staff (2014). Water and soil samples were taken from selected key areas for laboratory analysis. The vegetation data was collected by making sample plots (squares method) placed on each vegetation type with plot sizes depending on the vegetation type, namely 10 x 10 m for secondary forests and 5 x 5 m for shrubs and grass. The observations of surface water level were done during the river receding with units of m above sea level (m asl). The research results showed that pyrite formation is largely determined by the availability of natural vegetation as Sulfur (S) donors, climate and uncontrolled water balance and supporting fauna such as crabs and mud shrimp. Climate and water balance as well as supporting faunas is the main supporting factors to accelerate the process of pyrite formation. Oxidized pyrite serves to increase soil acidity, becomes toxic to fish ponds and arable soils, plant growth and disturbing the water and soil nutrient balances. Oxidized pyrite is predominantly accelerated by the dynamics of river water and disturbed natural vegetation by human activities. The pyrite oxidation management approach is divided into three main components of technologies, namely water management, land management and commodity management.</p>

Highlights

Tidal wetlands is a swamp that receives direct or indirect influence by the tides of sea water or river nearby
40,263 ha of tidal wetlands in Pulau Rimau, Banyuasin South Sumatra has been cultivated for transmigration program since 1960 for food crops
Pyrite formation is largely determined by natural vegetation as Sulfur (S) donors, climate and uncontrolled water balance and supporting faunas such as crabs and mud shrimp

Summary

Introduction

Tidal wetlands is a swamp that receives direct or indirect influence by the tides of sea water or river nearby. The management principle of tidal wetlands is how to manage excess water, to avoid the emergence of risks and toxins such as the acidity, pyrite oxidation (FeS2 is the chemical formula for different crystal systems of iron sulfide) and pollution to the environment due to Al and H ion (Armanto et al, 2011). Tidal wetlands reclamation is essentially to lower the ground water level or drying with making drainage channel. In order to prevent some failures of reclaimed tidal wetlands, we need to carry out a comprehensive research because pyrite is the most risks and toxins for fishery and plant growth. In the rainy season, oxidized pyrite can be washed into the rivers and can disturb a life of aquatic fauna as well as accumulate sediments in the rivers (Armanto et al, 2010)

Methods

Results

Conclusion