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1570326 
Journal Article 
Methane (CH4) emission from a tidal marsh in the Min River estuary, southeast China 
Tong, C; Wang, WeiQi; Zeng, CS; Marrs, Rob 
2010 
1 
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Toxic/Hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering
ISSN: 1093-4529
EISSN: 1532-4117 
45 
4 
506-516 
20390897 
WOS:000275851900014 
The total methane emission to the atmosphere and
hydrosphere, and its seasonal variation, were estimated using an enclosed static chamber
technique from a tidal marshes dominated by Phragmites australis (common reed) in the Min River
estuary, southeast China. Measurements were taken at three tidal stages ( before flood, during
the flooding and ebbing process, and after ebb). Potential rates of methane production from the
marsh sediment layers were also measured using an incubation technique. This P. australis tidal
marsh was a net methane source, emitting 32.59 and 6.87 g CH4.m(-2).yr(-1) to the atmosphere and
hydrosphere, respectively. There was considerable monthly variation with emissions greater before
flood in some months, whereas at other months emission was greater after ebb. The average methane
fluxes were 5.13, 5.06 and 4.74 mg CH4 m(-2) h(-1) before flood, during flooding and ebbing, and
after ebb, respectively. Emissions to the tidewater and the atmosphere during the flooding and
ebbing process were 2.98 and 2.08 mg CH4 m(-2) h(-1), respectively. Sediment methane production
potential (0-40 cm depth) ranged from 0.028-0.123 mu g CH4.g(-1).d(-1), with the greatest
production was in the surface soil. Methane fluxes had a significant correlation with
atmospheric, sediment temperature and above ground biomass. The implications of these data for
global warming are discussed briefly. 
CH4 flux; tidal marsh; tidal stages; seasonal variation; environmental conditions