Coastal wetlands, atmospheric

Coastal wetlands have long been noted for their relatively high emission of volatile sulfur gases to the atmosphere indeed the typical odor of marshes often is due largely to DMS. Several studies have reported emissions of DMS, H2S, and other sulfur compounds, dimethyldisulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and carbon disulfide (10-12.40-42). DMS and H2S constitute the bulk of the flux, with DMS predominating in vegetated areas and H2S in mud flats. Fluxes of DMS... 

Surface water can be defined as any river, lake, stream, pond, marsh, or wetland as ice and snow and as transitional, coastal, and marine water naturally open to the atmosphere. Major matrix properties, distinguishing water types from each other, are hard and soft water, and saline and freshwater. Groundwater is typically defined as water that can be found in the saturated zone of the soil. Groundwater slowly moves from places with high elevation and pressure to places with low elevation and pressure, such as rivers and lakes. Partitioning interactions of the groundwater with the solid soil matrix is an important factor influencing the fate of toxicants. Physicochemical properties of water that may affect toxicity of chemicals in all water types are listed in Table 2.2. 

The Deepwater Horizon crisis was unique only in the stark visibility of its impact on the marine and coastal environments. Most of the adverse environmental effects of reduced regulatory protections during the Laissez Faire Revival were hidden in far less visible statistics documenting steady or declining air and water quality, in rising atmospheric temperatures, in vanishing wetlands, and in isolated valleys below decapitated Appalachian mountains. Box 9.1 details some of these consequences. 

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