Sulfate Enrichment in Everglades Alters Sulfur Chemistry, Affects Ecosystem Reactivity.
Sulfate pollution in the Florida Everglades changes the sulfur content in the water, affecting how dissolved organic matter interacts with metals. By studying wetland samples, researchers found that sulfur levels in the water are linked to sulfate pollution, leading to more reduced sulfur forms. This sulfur-enriched organic matter moves between sediment and surface water, where it undergoes chemical changes. The study highlights the importance of sulfate pollution in shaping sulfur chemistry in wetlands, which can impact restoration efforts and the cycling of sulfur and metals.