Iron and sulphur regulate carbon dioxide emissions in drained coastal peatlands of The Netherlands.

ABSTRACT: Fluctuating groundwater levels in drained peatlands create a transition zone with seasonally changing oxygen availability. This zone drives dynamic iron (Fe) and sulphur (S) cycling under alternating anoxic and oxic conditions, influencing decomposition rates. This study investigated how Fe and S affect decomposition rates and resulting carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions under fluctuating redox conditions in transition zone. In a controlled laboratory experiment, peat samples from two drained Dutch coastal peatlands were amended with ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and sulphate (SO₄ ^2-) and incubated anoxically to mimic high groundwater tables. This was followed by an oxic phase simulating groundwater table drops. The cycle was repeated with lactate addition to r

SUBMITTER: Tolunay D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835034 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature