Loss of Bromide in a Wetland Tracer Experiment

Abstract

Abstract Bromide recovery during tracer tests conducted in 12 wetland research cells averaged 48%. Loss of water by infiltration, analytical biases, and inadequate measurement period were rejected as causes of low bromide recovery. The nonconservative behavior of bromide was probably caused by plant uptake. Investigators conducting bromide tracer studies in wetlands should recognize that bromide may be not be conservative in wetlands, particularly during periods of rapid plant growth.