Thermodynamics and organic matter: constraints on neutralization processes in sediments of highly acidic waters

The controls on the internal neutralization of low productivity, highly acidified waters by sulfide accumulation in sediments are yet poorly understood. It is demonstrated that the neutralization process is constrained by organic matter quality and thermodynamic effects which control the relative rates of SO4 and Fe reduction, and the fate of the reduced Fe and S in the sediments. The investigated sediments were rich in dissolved Fe(II) (0.005–12 mmol l−1) and SO4 (1.3–22 mmol l−1). The pH ranged from 3.0 to 6.8. Contents of reduced inorganic S (0.1–9.5%), molar C/N ratios of the organic matter (12–80) and metabolic turnover rates (1–110 μeq cm−3 a−1) varied strongly. Substantial amounts of Fe sulfides were only found at a simultaneous partial thermodynamic and solubility equilibrium of the involved biogeochemical processes. Sulfide oxidation was apparently inhibited, and SO4 and Fe reduction coexisted. In this type of sediment increases in C availability cause enhanced neutralization rates. In the absence of a partial equilibrium, the sediments were in a sulfide oxidizing and Fe reducing state, and did not accumulate Fe sulfides. The latter type of sediment will increase neutralization rates in response to decreasing deposition of reactive Fe oxides but not necessarily in response to increases in lake productivity by e.g. fertilization measures.