Evaluating Mineral Associated Blue Carbon Accumulation in Coastal Wetlands

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Brief Description of Anticipated Work: This research project focuses on quantifying the accumulation of mineral associated blue carbon in both natural systems and areas that have been created or enhanced using dredged materials or other sources of sediment that contain a larger fraction of mineral contents than most coastal wetland soils. The project will focus on systems within the southeast United States and the Gulf Coast (e.g., FL, AL), but will also include sample collections in the Chesapeake Bay and Great Lakes regions. Common approaches to collect and analyze soil carbon within coastal wetlands will be applied to characterize the soil materials and novel metrics capable of determining the abundance and lability of mineral associated blue carbon will need to be employed to accomplish the project objectives. The purpose of the work is to 1) demonstrate that mineral associated carbon can be effectively quantified in wetland systems, 2) compare and contrast these carbon pools across broad geographic regions, and 3) elucidate similarities and differences between the carbon forms and recalcitrance under natural and created/restored management scenarios. The Government will be involved with the research by providing technical guidance on the research; assisting with the experimental design and method development; and collaborating site selection, sample collection and analysis, and the on the preparation of journal articles and conference presentations. The Government is not expecting the periods of performances to overlap. Objectives: The objectives of the project for years 1 and 2 are as follows: Develop technical team and identify study sites. Develop a proof of concept outlining novel methods to characterize mineral associated carbon on coastal wetland systems. For each study site, collect and analyze samples from paired natural and created/restored locations (minimum triplicate samples). Generate peer-reviewed journal article with ERDC researchers to describe the application of novel methodologies to characterize wetland mineral protected carbon. Generate peer-reviewed journal article with ERDC researchers reporting the results of the field investigations within the southeastern United States, Chesapeake Bay, and Great Lakes regions. Develop and present public seminars based on study findings. The objectives for Optional Year 3 are as follows: Refine the established methodology to increase operational efficiencies. 2.    Expand the study to other regions or develop chronosequences of across restored/created wetland systems. 3.    Generate a peer-reviewed journal article or public report in conjunction with ERDC researchers integrating all study conclusions. 4.    Develop and present public seminars based on study findings. Successful applicants should have expert knowledge of: 1) carbon dynamics within coastal systems; 2) field data collection capabilities; 3) carbon pools and the role of mineral associated carbon within soil systems; 4) experience developing novel approaches to wetland soil characterization, especially with regards to soil carbon. Areas of expertise that may be required in combination to perform this study include: Capacity to collect and process soil cores within a variety of coastal setting including both organic and mineral dominated substrates . Advanced laboratory capabilities to fractionate and characterize various carbon pools using techniques to determine carbon abundance and recalcitrance . Development of novel approaches to wetland soils research specifically evaluating carbon fractions in coastal settings . Experience working with soils and sediments in a wide array of natural and constructed/restored wetland settings. Applicants will be required to submit quarterly status reports and a final report within 4 months of completion of the study. ERDC and the candidates will develop a draft of the journal article or articles for internal peer review during cooperative agreement’s period of performance.

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