The Influence of Hydrochemistry on Methane Emissions from Two Contrasting Northern Wetlands

Abstract

Methane emissions from an acidic bog and a forested swamp in north Wales, U.K., were measured over a 12 month period. Along with the emission, hydrochemistry (DOC, SO42- and NO3-) and physical factors (temperature, water table level) were determined. At the bog site, the methane emission ranged from 0.15 mg m-2 day-1 to 6.39 mg m-2 day-1, having two peaks in spring and late summer. In contrast, high emission was observed in October (38.95 mg m-2 day-1) and November (75.37 mg m-2 day-1)at the swamp site, which is concurrent with leaf litter production and high DOC concentrations. During the remaining months, the flux varied between –1.33 mg m-2 day-1 and 3.05 mg m-2 day-1. Correlation analyses showed that the methane emission from the acidic bog had a positive correlation with soil temperature, and negative correlations with sulfate and nitrate concentrations in the pore-water. However, a correlation with water table level was absent. Methane emission from the swamp exhibited a negative correlation with sulfate concentration. Our results confirm that methane emissions vary substantially between different types of wetlands, and suggest that under certain conditions, hydrochemistry may be a more critical controlling variable for methane emissions than temperature and water table level.