ASSESSING SOIL REDOX CONDITIONS USING IRIS TUBES IN A CENTRAL GEORGIA WETLAND

Authors

Cameron S. Skinner*, Gergia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA 31061Follow
Allison Rick VandeVoort, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA 31061Follow
Christine Mutiti, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA 31061Follow
Samuel Mutiti, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA 31061Follow

Abstract

The process of documenting soil redox potential has become increasingly important for use in wetland delineation studies. Wetlands are characterized by hydric soils, which are formed in saturated conditions, and are typically home to an anaerobic, reducing redox environment. Most established wetland delineation studies document soil redox conditions through Eh measurements via platinum electrodes and/or alpha-alpha-dipyridyl dye. However, these methods are costly, time-intensive, and complex. An alternative method of assessing reduction potential in situ is through the use of Iron Reduction in Soils (IRIS) tubes, which are fabricated from PVC pipes that have been sanded and coated with a synthetic Fe (III) hydroxide paint, then inserted into wetland soils for approximately four weeks. The reducing environment of the wetland soils facilitates reductive dissolution of Fe (III) painted on the tubes to Fe (II), causing a visually notable decrease in paint upon removal. This study aims to explore whether the use of IRIS tubes, in conjunction with measurements of physicochemical soil properties and hydric soils identification procedures, is effective in delineating wetland gradients in Central Georgia. Iron removal from IRIS tubes was assessed using both X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methods. Water-table elevation and Fe extraction data of soil samples were also documented as evidence of reducing soil conditions. Evidence of redoximorphic features such as gley and oxidized root channels were also observed. Initial data from XRF and GIS analysis suggests that the highest Fe removal, reaching as high as 98%, occurred deeper into the soil profile, supporting our expectation of anaerobic soils to assist with reductive dissolution from the tubes. Based on the evidence collected, IRIS tubes showed promise in demonstrating reducing soil conditions and delineating wetlands in Central Georgia, while efficiently managing expenses and time spent in both the field and laboratory.

Acknowledgements

Georgia College Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, MURACE

Recommended Citation

Skinner*, Cameron S.; VandeVoort, Allison Rick; Mutiti, Christine; and Mutiti, Samuel (2019) "ASSESSING SOIL REDOX CONDITIONS USING IRIS TUBES IN A CENTRAL GEORGIA WETLAND," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 77, No. 1, Article 27.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol77/iss1/27