Importance of vegetation for manganese cycling in temperate forested watersheds

摘要: Many surface soils are enriched in metals due to anthropogenic atmospheric inputs. To predict the persistence of these contaminants soils, factors that impact rates metal removal from into streams must be understood. Experiments at containerized seedling (mesocosm), pedon, and catchment scales were used investigate influence vegetation on manganese (Mn) transport Susquehanna/Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory (SSHCZO) Pennsylvania, USA, where past inputs industrial sources have Mn soils. Large quantities leached soil components solution taken up by vegetation; as a result, only relatively small removed effluent streams. Manganese uptake exceeded losses leachate 20–200X all scales, net loss decreased presence plant tissues. The majority forest SSHCZO each year was returned leaf litter consequently immobilized oxides formed during decomposition. Thus, combined with rapid oxidation decomposition contribute long-term retention. Current release soluble similar larger Susquehanna River Basin, indicating processes observed may widespread across region. Indeed, although deposition has declined, throughout eastern United States remain Mn. If recycling through can attenuate this study, then concentrations river waters will likely decrease slowly over time following watershed contamination. Understanding role regulating is important for evaluating effects historical ongoing loading