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Abstract

Background: This research project describes the development

of a quantitative measurement methodology to determine the

concentration of manganese oxide (MnOx) in two soilscape

positions (Upland- Lowland and Riparian Buffer-Wetland

Boundary-Wetland). Methods: A reaction between the MnOx

in the soil sample and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was initiated

to determine the level of MnOx reactivity in the soil sample. Data

was collected from four sites on Soilscape 1 (Upland, Lowland,

and two sites between the Uplands and Lowlands); within each

site, five soil profile depths and three sample replicates were

measured which comprised a total of 60 samples. Additionally,

data was collected from three sites on Soilscape 2 (Riparian

Buffer-Wetland Boundary-Wetland), within each site, three soil

profile depths and three sample replicates were measured which

comprised a total of 27 samples. Measurements were collected

and revalidated to assess the accuracy of the measurement

protocol. Results: Analysis of data collected from the surface

layers in Soilscape 1 indicated that the Lowland (Site 4) had the

highest level of MnOx followed by Site 3 with the lowest value

occurring at Site 2. A follow up, revalidation study of three of

the four sites from the surface layers on Soilscape 1 indicated

that the Lowland (Site 4) had the highest level followed by the

Midslope (Site 3) with the lowest value occurring at the Upland

(Site 1). Therefore, the revalidation study results matched two

of the three sites from the initial study. Correspondingly, the

data collected from the three sites from the surface layers on

Soilscape 2 indicated that the Wetland Boundary had the highest

level followed by Riparian Buffer with the lowest value occurring

at Wetland. The revalidation study results matched the initial study

for each of the three sites from the surface layers on Soilscape 2,

which indicated that the Wetland Boundary had the highest level

followed by the Riparian Buffer with the lowest value occurring

at the Wetland. Conclusion: The results of this study can be

used to easily determine the spatial variability o f MnOx levels in

soilscapes that range from Upland-Lowland and Riparian Buffer-

Wetland Boundary-Wetland, and the movement of soluble

MnOx ions within soilscapes by mass flow and/or diffusion

processes. In soils with adequate levels of MnOx ions, the use of

this methodology can assist in the delineation of the wetland

boundary, which has both an economic and land-use importance

to society, because of the importance of the ecological functions

of wetland ecosystems.

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