Sulfur distribution and isotopic composition in peats from the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia and the Everglades, Florida
Fred, T.P.; Daniel, J.C.
International Journal of Coal Geology 17(1): 1-20
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0166-5162
DOI: 10.1016/0166-5162(91)90002-z
Accession: 020161987
Peat cores from three aquatic environments (freshwater, brackish and marine have been analyzed for organic, pyritic and sulfatic sulfur contents and isotope ratios. Peat collected from each environment has a unique combination of sulfur content, distribution and isotope ratio. Freshwater peat from the Okefenokee Swamp contains the least sulfur (0.26 to 0.48%, primarily organic sulfur) and is vertically uniform in sulfur content and isotope ratio. The organic sulfur isotope ratio of the Okefenokee pear (+ 12.3 to + 12.8 per mil) is similar to that of sulfate in associated surface waters. Cores from presently brackish and marine peats from the Florida Everglades have high organic, pyritic and sulfatic sulfur contents with vertical variability in sulfur content and isotope ration. The isotope ratio of organic sulfur in the brackish and marine peat is lighter than that of sulfate associated with their respective peat-forming environments. Organic sulfur in the marine peat is isotopically lighter than in the brackish peat. Freshwater peats subsequently overlain by sediment associated with brackish to marine waters may have a sulfur content, distribution and isotopic ratio indistinguishable from peats derived under brackish or marine conditions.