The tracking of changes in the abundances of
14C in nature is a powerful tool in ecological research and could be a useful means to track carbon flow through the
Everglades and measure the results of our restoration efforts. Our recent studies show that
14C signatures can be used to estimate the relative contribution of the historic peat deposits to various C pools in the Everglades. Radiocarbon ages of dissolved organic C (DOC), particulate organic C (POC) and dissolved inorganic C (DIC) ranged from 2010 years before present (B.P.) to “>modern”. The old
14C ages of DOC and POC were found in impacted areas near the EAA in the northern Everglades. In contrast, DOC and POC in pristine marsh areas had near modern or “>modern”
14C ages. These data indicate that a major source of POC and DOC in impacted areas is the degradation of historic peat deposits in the EAA. In the pristine areas of the marsh, DOC represents a mix of modern and historic carbon sources, whereas POC comes from modern primary production as indicated by positive D
14C values. A 60 - 70% turnover of DOC from the northern to the southern Everglades was estimated using radiocarbon data. Our study suggests that Δ
14C measurements can be a useful indicator of the progress of ecosystem restoration in the
Everglades. As a restored wetland moves towards its “original” or “natural” state, the
14C signatures of DOC should approach to that of modern atmosphere.