Some aspects of redox trends in the bottom muds of a mesotrophic bayou estuary

Redox profiles, pH, bacterial numbers, and organic content of sediments in Bayou Texar, Pensacola, Florida, were examined in an effort to delineate spatial and temporal patterns. These data were accompanied by field determinations of dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and salinity. The results point to the importance of bacterial activity and bottom water dissolved oxygen upon the redox status of the sediments. It is suggested that, in certain systems, the redox status of deeper sediments may reveal long-term trends which are obscured at the sediment-water interface by transient effects.