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Factors controlling dimethylsulfide emission from salt marshesThe factors that control the emission of methylated gases from salt marshes are being studied. Research focusses on dimethylsulfide (DMS) formation and the mechanism of DMS and CH4 emission to the atmosphere. The approach is to consider the plants as valves regulating the emission of methylated gases to the atmosphere with the goal of developing appropriate methods for emission measurement. In the case of CH4, the sediment is the source and transport to the atmosphere occurs primarily through the internal gas spaces in the plants. The source of DMS appears to be dimethyl sulfoniopropionate (DMSP) which may play a role in osmoregulation in plant tissues. Concentrations of DMSP in leaves are typically several-fold higher than in roots and rhizomes. Even so, the large below ground biomass of this plant means that 2/3 of the DMSP in the ecosystem is below ground on the aerial basis. Upon introduction to sediment water, DMSP rapidly decomposes to DMS and acrylic acid. The solubility of a gas (its equilibrium vapor pressure) is a fundamental aspect of gas exchange kinetics. The first comprehensive study was conducted of DMS solubility in freshwater and seawater. Data suggest that the Setchenow relation holds for H at intermediate salinities collected. These data support the concept that the concentration of DMS in the atmosphere is far from equilibrium with seawater.
Document ID
19930073168
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Dacey, John W. H.
(Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. MA, United States)
Wakeham, S. G.
(Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. MA, United States)
Howes, B. L.
(Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Ames Research Center, First Symposium on Biospheric Research
Subject Category
Environment Pollution
Accession Number
93N70615
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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