Formation and burial of pyrite and organic sulfur in mud sediments of the East China Sea inner shelf: Constraints from solid-phase sulfur speciation and stable sulfur isotope

Solid-phase sulfur speciation and stable sulfur isotopic compositions are used to elucidate the formation and burial of pyrite-sulfur (Spy) and organic sulfur (OS) at three selected sites in mud sediments of the East China Sea (ECS) inner shelf, and to infer potential factors influencing the preservation of Spy and OS in the sediments. Our results in combination with previous studies show that the overall reactivity of sedimentary organic matter (OM) is low, while OM at the site impacted by frequent algal-bloom events displays somewhat enhanced reactivity. We observed characteristically low contents of acid volatile sulfide (AVS) and Spy in the sediments, which can be attributed to low sulfate reduction rate due to high redox potential together with limited availability of labile OM. Several geochemical features, for example, persistent occurrence of S0, good coupling among the profiles of AVS, S0 and Spy, and large 34Spy depletion, all suggest that the polysulfide pathway and disproportionation are likely involved in the pyrite formation. Organic sulfur amounts in the sediments are at the lower end of OS contents reported in many other marine sediments around the world. The sources of OS are both biosynthetic and diagenetic, with the biosynthetic OS being the major share (59–73%). In one site studied (C702), enhanced accumulation of OS within the upper layers (14 cm) is believed to be associated with frequent algal-bloom events. Net burial fluxes of Spy and OS in the three sites studied range from 0.27 to 0.82 mmol/m2/d and from 0.22 to 0.74 mmol/m2/d, respectively. Sedimentation rate and algal-bloom events are two important factors influencing the spatial variability of Spy and OS burial fluxes in the whole shelf.

► Both pyrite and organic sulfur (OS) burial are low in the sediments. ► Most likely mechanisms involved in pyrite formation are suggested. ► Biosynthetic OS is the major source of the sedimentary OS, accounting for 59–73%. ► Impact of algal blooms has enhanced OS accumulation in the upper sediments. ► Sedimentation rate and algal bloom greatly impact burial fluxes of pyrite and OS.