Dissolved organic matter quantity and quality response of tropical rainforest headwater rivers to the transition from dry to wet season

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its composition in aquatic ecosystems is a key indicator of ecosystem function and an important component of the global carbon cycle. Tropical rainforest headwaters play an important role in global carbon cycling. However, there is a large uncertainty on how DOM sources interact during mobilisation and the potential fate of associated carbon and nutrients. Using field techniques to measure dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and composition, changes in DOM source from headwaters to larger downstream rivers were observed. This study shows that the hydrological connectivity, developed during the transition from dry to wet seasons, changes the DOM supply and transport across a tropical river catchment. The observed variability in the DOC-river discharge relationship provides further evidence of the changes in the DOM supply in a small headwater. This novel insight into the seasonal changes of the dynamics of DOM supply to the river helps understanding the mobilization of terrestrial DOM to tropical headwaters and its export from smaller to larger rivers. It also highlights the data gap in the study of smaller headwaters which may account for uncertainty in estimating the terrestrial carbon transported by inland waters.

Insight into variation and controlling factors of dissolved organic matter between urban rivers undergoing different anthropogenic influences

Dissolved organic matter (DOM), known as a key to the aquatic carbon cycle, is influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. However, the compositional variation and these factors' effects on fluorescence DOM (FDOM) in urban rivers undergoing different anthropogenic pressure are poorly investigated. Herein, using fluorescence excitation-emission matrix and parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC), four FDOM components (C1, C2, C3, and C4) were identified in a less urbanized north river (NR) and a more urbanized west river (WR) of Jiulong River Watershed in Fujian province, China. C1, C2, and C4 were related to humic-like substances (HLS) and C3 to protein-like substances (PLS). HLS (63.9% in WR and 36.4% in NR) and PLS (62.7% in WR and 37.3% in NR) exhibited higher fluorescence in the more urbanized river. We also found higher PLS in winter, but higher HLS in summer for both rivers. Although the coefficient of variation indicated a difference in FDOM components stability to some extent between the two rivers, the typhoon event that occurred in summer had a stronger disruptive impact on the CDOM and FDOM of a more urbanized river than that of a less urbanized river. We explore abiotic and biotic factors' effects on FDOM using the partial least squares path model (PLS-PM). PLS-PM results revealed higher significant influences of biotic factors on FDOM in the more urbanized river. This study enhances our understanding of FDOM dynamics of rivers with different anthropogenic pressure together with the abiotic and biotic factors driving them.

Characterizing the spatiotemporal distribution of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the Yongding River Basin: Insights from flow regulation

Artificial flow regulation is an important measure to alleviate water shortages and improve the ecological quality of river basins. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle and regulates biogeochemical and ecological processes in aquatic systems. Among the numerous studies on the effects of anthropogenic activities on the quality and quantity of river DOM, few studies have focused on the influence of different artificially regulated flow on the composition, source, and fate of fluvial DOM. This study aims to elucidate the impact of different artificial regulation modes of river flows on the source, migration, and transformation of DOM. The optical properties of DOM were used to explore the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of DOM in the Yongding River Basin, where artificial regulation of river flows by cross-basin and inner-basin water transfers were implemented. Excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with parallel factor analysis revealed four fluorescent substances of DOM in the water: one microbial humic-like (C1), one terrestrial humic-like (C2), one non-point source pollution humic-like (C4), and one tryptophan-like (C3) substance. Due to cross-basin water transfer from the Yellow River, the flow is the highest (21.79 m³/s) during spring, which was the reason that the signal of C2 was stronger during spring (71.45 QSU) compared to summer (57.12 QSU) and autumn (51.78 QSU). Due to inner-basin water transfer from upstream reservoirs, C3 derived from autochthonous sources were higher during autumn (130.81 QSU) than during spring (77.17 QSU) and summer (93.16 QSU). With no water transfer, more C1 were present at higher temperatures during summer (141.51 QSU) than during spring (126.73 QSU) and autumn (128.8 QSU). Moreover, C4 originating from urban and/or agricultural non-point source runoff increased during summer (57.07 QSU) than during spring (33.29 QSU) and autumn (52.27 QSU) because of increased rainfall. The different modes of artificial regulation of river flows changed the hydrological characteristics of the basin, which in turn altered the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the quantity and quality of DOM. The finding of this study can help promote the development of appropriate management strategies for artificial regulation of river flows in the basin. Furthermore, this study provides a basis for investigating the effects of different artificial flow regulations on the carbon cycles and ecological risks of rivers in the basin.

Composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in lakes responds to the trophic state and phytoplankton community succession

Dissolved organic matter (DOM), a heterogeneous mixture of diverse compounds with different molecular weights, is crucial for the lake carbon cycle. The properties and concentration of DOM in lakes are closely related to anthropogenic activities, terrigenous input, and phytoplankton growth. Thus, the lake's trophic state, along with the above factors, has an important effect on DOM. We determined the DOM sources and molecular composition in six lakes along a trophic gradient during and after phytoplankton bloom by combining optical techniques and the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). CDOM pools in eutrophic lakes may be more biologically refractory than in oligotrophic and mesotrophic lakes. Molecular formulas of DOM were positively correlated with the TSI (trophic state index) value (R² = 0.73), with the nitrogen-containing compounds (CHON) being the most abundant formulas in all studied lakes. Eutrophication modified the molecular formulas of DOM to have less CHO% and more heteroatom S-containing compounds (CHOS% and CHNOS%), and this was the synactic result of the anthropogenic perturbation and phytoplankton proliferation. In eutrophic lakes, summer DOM showed higher molecular lability than in autumn, which was related to the seasonal phytoplankton community succession. Although the phytoplankton-derived DOM is highly bioavailable, we detected a simpler and more fragile phytoplankton community ecosystem in autumn, which may be accompanied by a lower phytoplankton production and metabolic activity. Therefore, we concluded that the lake eutrophication increased the allochthonous DOM accumulation along with sewage and nutrient input, and subsequently increased its release with phytoplankton bloom. Eutrophication and phytoplankton growth are accompanied by more highly unsaturated compounds, O₃S+O₅S compounds, and carboxylic-rich alicyclic compounds (CRAMs), which are the biotransformation product of phytoplankton-derived DOM. Eutrophication may be a potential source of refractory DOM compounds for biodegradation and photodegradation. Our results can clarify the potential role of water organic matter in the future global carbon cycle processes, considering the increasing worldwide eutrophication of inland waters.

Multivariate analysis of the surface water in tropical river-estuary-sea continuums with changing land use

The monitoring and assessment of surface water properties has been mainly conducted for freshwater rivers using multivariate analyses. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of introducing the absorption spectrum of water in order to develop a better monitoring and assessment technique for the surface waters of a river-estuary-sea continuum. Fourteen variables were measured at 17 different sites along three rivers, including estuaries and coastal sea, in Brunei Darussalam, Borneo, from August 2017 to December 2020. Among the 17 sites, freshwater streams surrounded by primary forests and coastal seawaters had the lowest ranges of the absorption coefficient at 350 nm, suspended solids, and nutrients, but had the highest range of dissolved oxygen concentration. The other sites were more or less affected by natural leaching of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) from forests, soil runoff from agricultural lands, and wastewater discharge from urban and industrial activities. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that four principal components were significant and explained 91% of the total variance in the data set. Four most explanatory factors were also extracted using the factor analysis (FA). In addition to the absorption spectrum, only seven basic water variables (salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solid, particulate organic matter, particulate inorganic matter, phosphate) were found to be necessary to assess the spatial variations in water properties at the present river-estuary-sea continuum. We conclude that it is important to include absorption spectrum data in water monitoring programs for more efficient and comprehensive assessment at land-sea interfaces.

Ecology and extent of freshwater browning - What we know and what should be studied next in the context of global change

Water browning or brownification refers to increasing water color, often related to increasing dissolved organic matter (DOM) and carbon (DOC) content in freshwaters. Browning has been recognized as a significant physicochemical phenomenon altering boreal lakes, but our understanding of its ecological consequences in different freshwater habitats and regions is limited. Here, we review the consequences of browning on different freshwater habitats, food webs and aquatic-terrestrial habitat coupling. We examine global trends of browning and DOM/DOC, and the use of remote sensing as a tool to investigate browning from local to global scales. Studies have focused on lakes and rivers while seldom addressing effects at the catchment scale. Other freshwater habitats such as small and temporary waterbodies have been overlooked, making the study of the entire network of the catchment incomplete. While past research investigated the response of primary producers, aquatic invertebrates and fishes, the effects of browning on macrophytes, invasive species, and food webs have been understudied. Research has focused on freshwater habitats without considering the fluxes between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. We highlight the importance of understanding how the changes in one habitat may cascade to another. Browning is a broader phenomenon than the heretofore concentration on the boreal region. Overall, we propose that future studies improve the ecological understanding of browning through the following research actions: 1) increasing our knowledge of ecological processes of browning in other wetland types than lakes and rivers, 2) assessing the impact of browning on aquatic food webs at multiple scales, 3) examining the effects of browning on aquatic-terrestrial habitat coupling, 4) expanding our knowledge of browning from the local to global scale, and 5) using remote sensing to examine browning and its ecological consequences.

Natural and anthropogenic impacts on the DOC characteristics in the Yellow River continuum

The Yellow River is the second largest river in China. Carbon transport by the Yellow River has significant influence on riverine carbon cycles in Asia. During the wet season, the riverine carbon was mainly found in dissolved form, i.e., dissolved organic carbon (DOC), along the entire course of the river. The distinct spatial variations of DOC concentration were observed at different reaches of the mainstream (p < 0.01), while the highest mean DOC concentration was generally observed at midstream (4.13 ± 0.91 mg/L). Carbon stable isotope analysis δ¹³C and C: N ratio of DOC, evidenced the sources of DOC in headwater and upstream were primarily the terrestrial plants (94% and 61%), but it was changed to soil organic matter (SOM) in mid- and downstream (36% and 37%), and the contribution of sewage to DOC were also increased to 17% and 18%. In the whole mainstream of the Yellow River, water temperature (WT) had a significant impact on DOC concentration, and it could explain 67% of the DOC variance. However, in a large catchment, the driving mechanisms on the DOC variations in headwaters will not necessarily be those controlling DOC trends in downstream. The study firstly quantified, in headwater and upstream, the natural factors explained as much as 65% and 73% of the DOC variations, respectively. In mid- and downstream areas, DOC was significantly influenced by the amount of wastewater discharged by the industry and the use of chemical fertilizers (p < 0.05). These findings may facilitate a better assessment of global riverine carbon cycling and may help to reveal the importance of the balance between development and environmental sustainability with the changing DOC transport features in the Yellow River due to human disturbances.

Organic Carbon transport model of abandoned river channels - A motif for floodplain geomorphology influencing biogeochemical swaying of arsenic

Meandering-river geomorphology, forming abandoned channels/lakes with organic carbon-burial and microbial reductive dissolution, play many crucial roles in controlling arsenic (As) fluxes in sinks such as contaminated aquifers of riverine alluvial plains across the world. Suhiya oxbow-lake in the middle alluvial plain of the River Ganga, was selected as the natural laboratory. A top-down multidisciplinary approach was chosen employing satellite imagery to analyse the annual oxbow-lake surface vegetation dynamics (Eichhornia and Hydrilla). Side-scan sonar profiles across two oxbow lakes along with River Ganga core data and vintage topographical maps, estimated the lake-sedimentation rate of 9.6 cm/yr. Organic carbon [amino acids, aromatics, lingo-phenols and lipids hydrocarbons] infiltration-based on hydrophobicity and molecular-mass was detected at different depths along the water and sedimentary column. Elemental analysis showed lake surface to groundwater the As conc. varied from (0.37 to 185 μg/l). A microbial diversity based study showed that large sized photoautotrophs Nostoc, Anabaena are replaced by Fe-oxido-reducing As-metabolizing bacteria e.g. Acidovorax, Dechloromonas and enteric organisms e.g. Enterobacter, Salmonella at bottom of water column. Based on these inferences, a conceptual organic carbon transport model was constructed to understand the preferential preservation and microbial diagenesis resulting in mobilization of As and other geogenic elements.

Viral Lysis Alters the Optical Properties and Biological Availability of Dissolved Organic Matter Derived from Prochlorococcus Picocyanobacteria

Phytoplankton contribute almost half of the world's total primary production. The exudates and viral lysates of phytoplankton are two important forms of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aquatic environments and fuel heterotrophic prokaryotic metabolism. However, the effect of viral infection on the composition and biological availability of phytoplankton-released DOM is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the optical characteristics and microbial utilization of the exudates and viral lysates of the ecologically important unicellular picophytoplankton Prochlorococcus Our results showed that Prochlorococcus DOM produced by viral lysis (Pro-vDOM) with phages of three different morphotypes (myovirus P-HM2, siphovirus P-HS2, and podovirus P-SSP7) had higher humic-like fluorescence intensities, lower absorption coefficients, and higher spectral slopes than DOM exuded by Prochlorococcus (Pro-exudate). The results indicate that viral infection altered the composition of Prochlorococcus-derived DOM and might contribute to the pool of oceanic humic-like DOM. Incubation with Pro-vDOM resulted in a greater dissolved organic carbon (DOC) degradation rate and lower absorption spectral slope and heterotrophic bacterial growth rate than incubation with Pro-exudate, suggesting that Pro-vDOM was more bioavailable than Pro-exudate. In addition, the stimulated microbial community succession trajectories were significantly different between the Pro-exudate and Pro-vDOM treatments, indicating that viral lysates play an important role in shaping the heterotrophic bacterial community. Our study demonstrated that viral lysis altered the chemical composition and biological availability of DOM derived from Prochlorococcus, which is the numerically dominant phytoplankton in the oligotrophic ocean.IMPORTANCE The unicellular picocyanobacterium Prochlorococcus is the numerically dominant phytoplankton in the oligotrophic ocean, contributing to the vast majority of marine primary production. Prochlorococcus releases a significant fraction of fixed organic matter into the surrounding environment and supports a vital portion of heterotrophic bacterial activity. Viral lysis is an important biomass loss process of Prochlorococcus However, little is known about whether and how viral lysis affects Prochlorococcus-released dissolved organic matter (DOM). Our paper shows that viral infection alters the optical properties (such as the absorption coefficients, spectral slopes, and fluorescence intensities) of released DOM and might contribute to a humic-like DOM pool and carbon sequestration in the ocean. Meanwhile, viral lysis also releases various intracellular labile DOM, including amino acids, protein-like DOM, and lower-molecular-weight DOM, increases the bioavailability of DOM, and shapes the successive trajectory of the heterotrophic bacterial community. Our study highlights the importance of viruses in impacting the DOM quality in the ocean.

Connecting land use-land cover and precipitation with organic matter biogeochemistry in a tropical river-estuary system of western peninsular India

Organic matter (OM) composition changed due to land use ─ land cover (LULC) and hydrology modification, has distinctive linkage towards sustainable environment management in tropical river systems. It is crucial in small river systems, which experience delay of freshwater flow to the estuaries due to headwater damming, also LULC alteration along the entire basin. In order to understand this fundamental linkage in tropical Zuari river-estuary (ZRE), we analyzed multi-proxy data of organic carbon to total nitrogen ratio (C_org/N), stable organic carbon isotope (δ¹³C_org) and lignin phenols measured in seasonally collected suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment samples. Results highlighted about moderate seasonality of OM tracers, with a significant effect of LULC alteration, which nevertheless a striking feature in monsoon-fed river-estuaries of peninsular India. Particulate C_org export from ZRE estimated to be 20 × 10³ kg yr^-1, was much lower as compared to tropical river-estuary systems elsewhere. OM fraction from vascular plant (mangroves) contributed to SPM and sediment was 15% and 40%, respectively, calculated using a Bayesian mixing calculation through Stable isotope analysis in R (SIAR). Presence of mudflat LULC in the estuarine region notably caused 20% decrease in C_org and 60% increase in lignin phenol (Λ8) as compared to their limits in upstream. This is although mudflat accounts only 3% of ZRE catchment. The degree of shifts in OM tracers highlights towards efficient entrapment, transformation and/or utilization of riverine OM in the mudflats of ZRE. Accelerated human induced LULC dampens the seasonality of OM characteristics and flow is highlighted through this study, which is essential towards sustainable environmental management practice in small rivers of India and World.

Controls of Land Use and the River Continuum Concept on Dissolved Organic Matter Composition in an Anthropogenically Disturbed Subtropical Watershed

About 250 Tg of dissolved organic carbon are annually transported from inland waters to coastal systems making rivers a critical link between terrestrial and ocean carbon pools. During transport through fluvial systems, various biogeochemical processes selectively remove or transform labile material, effectively altering the composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) exported to the ocean. The river continuum concept (RCC) has been historically used as a model to predict the fate and quality of organic matter along a river continuum. However, the conversion of natural landscapes for urban and agricultural practices can also alter the sources and quality of DOM exported from fluvial systems, and the RCC may be significantly limited in predicting DOM quality in anthropogenically impacted watersheds. Here, we studied DOM dynamics in the Altamaha River watershed in Georgia, USA, a fluvial system where headwater streams are highly impacted by anthropogenic activities. The primary goal of this study was to quantitatively assess the importance of both the RCC and land use as environmental drivers controlling DOM composition. Land use was a stronger predictor of spatial variation (∼50%) in DOM composition defined by both excitation-emission matrix-parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry. This is compared to an 8% explained variability that can be attributed to the RCC. This study highlights the importance of incorporating land use among other controls into the RCC to better predict the fate and quality of DOM exported from terrestrial to coastal systems.

Quantifying DOC and Its Controlling Factors in Major Arctic Rivers during Ice-Free Conditions using Sentinel-2 Data

The six largest Arctic rivers (Yenisey, Lena, Ob’, Kolyma, Yukon, and Mackenzie) drain the organic-rich Arctic watersheds and serve as important pools in the global carbon cycle. Satellite remote sensing data are considered to be a necessary supplement to the ground-based monitoring of riverine organic matter circulation, especially for the ice-free periods in high-latitudes. In this study, we propose a remote sensing retrieval algorithm to obtain the chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) levels of the six largest Arctic rivers using Sentinel-2 images from 2016 to 2018. These CDOM results are converted to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations using the strong relationship (R2 = 0.89) between the field measurements of these two water constituents. The temporal-spatial distributions of the DOC in the six largest Arctic rivers during ice-free conditions are depicted. The performance of the retrieval algorithm verifies the capacity of using Sentinel-2 data to monitor riverine DOC variations due to its improved spatial resolution, better band placement, and increased observation frequency. River discharge, watershed slopes, human activities, and land use/land cover change drove much of the variation in the satellite-derived DOC. The seasonality, geography, and scale would affect the correlation between DOC concentration and these influence factors. Our results could improve the ability to monitor DOC fluxes in Arctic rivers and advance our understanding of the Earth’s carbon cycle.

Seasonal changes in the chemical composition and reactivity of dissolved organic matter at the land-ocean interface of a subtropical river

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a critical component in aquatic ecosystems, yet its seasonal variability and reactivity remain not well constrained. These were investigated at the land-ocean interface of a subtropical river (Minjiang River, SE China), using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The annual export flux of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the Minjiang River (5.48 × 10¹⁰ g year^-1) was highest among the rivers adjacent to the Taiwan Strait, with 72% occurring in spring and summer. The freshwater absorption coefficient a₂₈₀, DOC-specific UV absorbance SUVA₂₅₄ and humification index HIX were higher, while the spectral slope S_275-295 and biological index BIX were lower in summer than in winter. This suggests intensified export of terrestrial aromatic and high molecular weight constituents in the rainy summer season. Six fluorescent components were identified from 428 samples, including humic-like C1-C3, tryptophan-like C4 and C6, and tyrosine-like C5. The freshwater levels of four components (C1, C2, C4, and C6) were lower while that of C5 was higher in the wet season than in the dry season, suggesting contrasting seasonal variations of different constituents. Laboratory experiments were performed to assess the effects of photochemical and microbial degradation on DOM. Photo-degradation removed chromophoric and fluorescent DOM (CDOM and FDOM) effectively, which was stronger (i) for high molecular weight/humic constituents and (ii) during summer under higher solar radiation. Microbial degradation under laboratory controlled conditions generally showed little effect on DOC, and had smaller impact on CDOM and FDOM in winter than in summer. Overall, this study showed notable seasonal changes in the chemical composition and reactivity of DOM at the land-ocean interface, and demonstrated the significant effects of photo-degradation.

Plant detritus is selectively consumed by estuarine copepods and can augment their survival

Particulate material comprising the detrital remains of terrestrial plants and macrophytes is a substantial source of organic matter to estuaries and therefore has the potential to support the energy demands of the pelagic aquatic food web. Despite the prevalence of macrophytic or terrestrial particulate organic carbon (tPOC), phytoplankton are nutritionally superior and are thought to be the primary food resource for zooplankton. However, estuarine phytoplankton primary productivity abundances can wax and wane, and often production cannot meet heterotrophic energy needs. In this study, we examined how tPOC (detritus of macrophytes and grasses) may affect survival of a calanoid copepod (Eurytemora affinis) common in the San Francisco Estuary (SFE), an estuary with relatively low phytoplankton primary productivity. Using chemical biomarkers and a targeted DNA metagenomic methodology, we show that E. affinis consumed tPOC (dominated by Schoenoplectus sp., or tule) even when phytoplankton were abundant and tPOC was scarce. Furthermore, we found that a mixed diet of phytoplankton and terrestrial material (1:3 carbon ratio) enhanced the survival of E. affinis over a diet of phytoplankton alone. These data show that tPOC can be a vital supplementary food source for zooplankton, perhaps extending survival during low phytoplankton periods, and may help explain elevated zooplankton abundances in tidal wetlands and other detrital-dominated regions.

Influences of the alternation of wet-dry periods on the variability of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in the water level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, China

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a crucial driver of various biogeochemical processes in aquatic systems. Thus, many lakes and streams have been investigated in the past several decades. However, fewer studies have sought to understand the changes in DOM characteristics in the waters of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) areas, which are the largest artificial reservoir areas in the world. Thus, a field investigation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) properties was conducted from 2013 to 2015 to track the spatial-temporal variability of DOM properties in the TGR areas. The results showed that the alternations of wet and dry periods due to hydrological management have a substantial effect on the quantity and quality of aquatic DOM in TGR areas. Increases in DOC concentrations in the wet period show an apparent "dilution effect" that decreases CDOM compounds with relatively lower aromaticity (i.e., SUVA₂₅₄) and molecular weight (i.e., S_R). In contrast to the obvious temporal variations of DOM, significant spatial variability was not observed in this study. Additionally, DOM showed more terrigenous characteristics in the dry period but weak terrigenous characteristics in the wet period. Furthermore, the positive correlation between SUVA₂₅₄ and CDOM suggests that the aromatic component controls the CDOM dynamics in TGR areas. The first attempt to investigate the DOM dynamics in TGR areas since the Three Gorges Dam was conducted in 2012, and the unique patterns of spatial-temporal variations in DOM that are highlighted in this study might provide a new insight for understanding the role of DOM in the fates of contaminants and may help in the further management of flow loads and water quality in the TGR area.

Dissolved organic matter signatures vary between naturally acidic, circumneutral and groundwater-fed freshwaters in Australia

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays important roles in both abiotic and biotic processes within aquatic ecosystems, and these in turn depend on the quality of the DOM. We collected and characterized chromophoric DOM (CDOM) from different Australian freshwater types (circumneutral, naturally acidic and groundwater-fed waterways), climatic regions and seasons. CDOM quality was characterized using absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy. Excitation emission scans followed by parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis showed that CDOM was characterized by three main components: protein-like, fulvic-like and humic-like components commonly associated with various waters globally in the Openfluor database. Principal component analysis showed that CDOM quality varied between naturally acidic, circumneutral and groundwater-fed waters, with unique CDOM quality signatures shown for each freshwater type. CDOM quality also differed significantly within some sites between seasons. Clear differences in dominant CDOM components were shown between freshwater types. Naturally acidic waters were dominated by highly aromatic (as indicated by the specific absorbance co-efficient (SAC₃₄₀) and the specific UV absorbance (SUVA₂₅₄) values which ranged between 31 and 50 cm² mg^-1 and 3.9-5.7 mg C^-1 m^-1 respectively), humic-like CDOM of high molecular weight (as indicated by abs_254/365 which ranged from 3.8 to 4.3). In contrast, circumneutral waters were dominated by fulvic-like CDOM of lower aromaticity (SAC₃₄₀: 7-21 cm² mg^-1 and SUVA₂₅₄: 1.5-3.0 mg C^-1 m^-1) and lower molecular weight (abs_254/365 5.1-9.3). The groundwater-fed site had a higher abundance of protein-like CDOM, which was the least aromatic (SAC₃₄₀: 2-5 cm² mg^-1 and SUVA₂₅₄: 0.58-1.1 mg C^-1 m^-1). CDOM was generally less aromatic, of a lower molecular weight and more autochthonous in nature during the summer/autumn sampling compared to winter/spring. Significant relationships were shown between various CDOM quality parameters and pH. This is the first study to show that different freshwater types (circumneutral, naturally acidic and groundwater-fed) contain distinct CDOM quality signatures in Australia, a continent with unique flora and geology.

Characterization of CDOM absorption of reservoirs with its linkage of regions and ages across China

The absorption of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is an important part of light absorptions in aquatic systems. The increasing eutrophication of reservoirs and regional characteristics would affect the CDOM properties sensitively which would be important for the application of remote sensing monitoring. The highest (4.07 ± 2.31 m^-1) and lowest (0.79 ± 0.67 m^-1) CDOM concentrations of reservoirs were observed in the northeastern lake region (NER) and Tibetan Plateau lake region (TPR), respectively. The differences between S_275-295 among the five lake regions were significant (p < 0.05) in which the steepest S_275-295 (0.0173 ± 0.0026 nm^-1) was observed in TPR and the shallowest (0.0326 ± 0.0152 nm^-1) in Yungui Plateau lake region (YGR). The strong relationships between a_CDOM(355) and DOC appeared in the NER (R² = 0.43), eastern lake region (EAR) (R² = 0.69), Mengxin lake region (MXR) (R² = 0.61), and YGR (R² = 0.79) which would be a good proxy for DOC in regional reservoirs. Most of all, the correlation between reservoir's establishing time and CDOM absorption under oligotrophic states was relatively strong in the EAR and MXR regions. It indicated that the establishing time of reservoirs affected the CDOM absorption to some extent under the oligotrophic states without much human disturbance. Our results indicate CDOM absorption varies with regions, and the relationships between CDOM and DOC are variable for different regions. Therefore, DOC estimation in reservoirs through CDOM absorption needs to be considered according to lake regions and trophic states.

Export of dissolved carbonaceous and nitrogenous substances in rivers of the "Water Tower of Asia"

Rivers are critical links in the carbon and nitrogen cycle in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments. Here riverine carbon and nitrogen exports in nine large rivers on the Tibetan Plateau - the "Water Tower of Asia" - were investigated in the monsoon season from 2013 to 2015. Compared with the world average, concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC, 30.7mg/L) were high in river basins of the plateau due to extensive topographic relief and intensive water erosion. Low concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC, 1.16mg/L) were likely due to the low temperature and unproductive land vegetation environments. Average concentrations of riverine DIN (0.32mg/L) and DON (0.35 mg/L) on the Tibetan Plateau were close to the world average. However, despite its predominantly pristine environment, discharge from agricultural activities and urban areas of the plateau has raised riverine N export. In addition, DOC/DON ratio (C/N, ~6.5) in rivers of the Tibetan Plateau was much lower than the global average, indicating that dissolved organic carbon in the rivers of this region might be more bioavailable. Therefore, along with global warming and anthropogenic activities, increasing export of bioavailable riverine carbon and nitrogen from rivers of the Tibetan Plateau can be expected in the future, which will possibly influence the regional carbon and nitrogen cycle.

Impacts of global changes on the biogeochemistry and environmental effects of dissolved organic matter at the land-ocean interface: a review

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important component in the biogeochemistry and ecosystem function of aquatic environments at the highly populated land-ocean interface. The mobilization and transformation of DOM at this critical interface are increasingly affected by a series of notable global changes such as the increasing storm events, intense human activities, and accelerating glacier loss. This review provides an overview of the changes in the quantity and quality of DOM under the influences of multiple global changes. The profound implications of changing DOM for aquatic ecosystem and human society are further discussed, and future research needs are suggested for filling current knowledge gaps. The fluvial export of DOM is strongly intensified during storm events, which is accompanied with notable changes in the chemical composition and reactivity of DOM. Land use not only changes the mobilization of natural DOM source pools within watersheds but also adds DOM of distinct chemical composition and reactivity from anthropogenic sources. Glacier loss brings highly biolabile DOM to downstream water bodies. The changing DOM leads to significant changes in heterotrophic activity, CO₂ out gassing, nutrient and pollutant biogeochemistry, and disinfection by-product formation. Further studies on the source, transformations, and downstream effects of storm DOM, temporal variations of DOM and its interactions with other pollutants in human-modified watersheds, photo-degradability of glacier DOM, and potential priming effects, are essential for better understanding the responses and feedbacks of DOM at the land-ocean interface under the impacts of global changes.

Impact of Photooxidation and Biodegradation on the Fate of Oil Spilled During the Deepwater Horizon Incident: Advanced Stages of Weathering

While the biogeochemical forces influencing the weathering of spilled oil have been investigated for decades, the environmental fate and effects of "oxyhydrocarbons" in sand patties deposited on beaches are not well-known. We collected sand patties deposited in the swash zone on Gulf of Mexico beaches following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. When sand patties were exposed to simulated sunlight, a larger concentration of dissolved organic carbon was leached into seawater than the corresponding dark controls. This result was consistent with the general ease of movement of seawater through the sand patties as shown with a ³⁵SO₄^2- radiotracer. Ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry, as well as optical measurements revealed that the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) leached from the sand patties under dark and irradiated conditions were substantially different, but neither had a significant inhibitory influence on the endogenous rate of aerobic or anaerobic microbial respiratory activity. Rather, the dissolved organic photooxidation products stimulated significantly more microbial O₂ consumption (113 ± 4 μM) than either the dark (78 ± 2 μM) controls or the endogenous (38 μM ± 4) forms of DOM. The changes in the DOM quality and quantity were consistent with biodegradation as an explanation for the differences. These results confirm that sand patties undergo a gradual dissolution of DOM in both the dark and in the light, but photooxidation accelerates the production of water-soluble polar organic compounds that are relatively more amenable to aerobic biodegradation. As such, these processes represent previously unrecognized advanced weathering stages that are important in the ultimate transformation of spilled crude oil.

Quantifying tropical peatland dissolved organic carbon (DOC) using UV-visible spectroscopy

UV-visible spectroscopy has been shown to be a useful technique for determining dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. However, at present we are unaware of any studies in the literature that have investigated the suitability of this approach for tropical DOC water samples from any tropical peatlands, although some work has been performed in other tropical environments. We used water samples from two oil palm estates in Sarawak, Malaysia to: i) investigate the suitability of both single and two-wavelength proxies for tropical DOC determination; ii) develop a calibration dataset and set of parameters to calculate DOC concentrations indirectly; iii) provide tropical researchers with guidance on the best spectrophotometric approaches to use in future analyses of DOC. Both single and two-wavelength model approaches performed well with no one model significantly outperforming the other. The predictive ability of the models suggests that UV-visible spectroscopy is both a viable and low cost method for rapidly analyzing DOC in water samples immediately post-collection, which can be important when working at remote field sites with access to only basic laboratory facilities.

Hydrological conditions regulate dissolved organic matter quality in an intermittent headwater stream. From drought to storm analysis

Storms and droughts are an essential driver for the dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentration in headwater streams. However, the relationship between DOM quality and discharge (Q) has not been addressed in depth and the impact of other hydro-climatic or biogeochemical drivers has not been explored. In this study DOM quality variability was explored at seasonal and storm event scales during an intensive 2.5-year-long sampling in a Mediterranean stream characterized by a severe summer drought. DOM quality was described in terms of absorbance and fluorescence properties. Most of the DOM properties were strongly related to discharge revealing the input of allochthonous, degraded, aromatic, humic and increased-molecular-size DOM under high flow conditions. However, these relationships disappeared or reversed during drying and rewetting periods. Each DOM response at the storm event scale (DOM-Q hysteresis) was outlined with two descriptors that summarised its trend (dilution/flushing/chemostasis) and shape (linear/nonlinear response). Multiple linear regression and commonality analysis showed that, in addition to the magnitude of storm episodes, antecedent hydrological conditions, namely pre-event basal flow and the magnitude of the previous storm event, played a significant role in regulating the trends and shapes of DOM-Q hysteresis.

Assessing the drivers of dissolved organic matter export from two contrasting lowland catchments, U.K

Two lowland catchments in the U.K. were sampled throughout 2010-11 to investigate the dominant controls on dissolved organic matter quantity and composition. The catchments had marked differences in terms of nutrient status, land cover and contrasting lithologies resulting in differences in the dominant flow pathways (groundwater vs. surface water dominated). The Upper Wylye is a chalk stream with a baseflow index of 0.98, draining a catchment dominated by intensive agricultural production. Millersford Brook is a lowland peat catchment with a baseflow index of 0.43, draining a semi-natural catchment with heather moorland and coniferous forest. Samples were collected weekly between October 2010 and September 2011 from eleven sampling locations. Samples were analysed to determine dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus fractions with DOM composition evaluated via the DOC:DON ratio, DOC:DOP ratio, specific UV absorption at 254nm, absorbance ratio (a250:a365) and the spectral slope parameter between 350 and 400nm (S350-400). Significant differences were observed in all determinands between the catchments, over time, and spatially along nutrient enrichment and geoclimatic gradients. Seasonal variation in preferential flow pathways mobilising groundwater-derived DOM were identified as likely controls on the delivery of DOM in the permeable chalk dominated catchment. Steeper S350-400 values and elevated a250:a365 ratios in this catchment suggest material of a lower bulk aromatic C content and molecular weight delivered during the winter months when compared to the summer. DOC:DON ratios were markedly lower in the chalk catchment than the peatland catchment, reflecting the paucity of organic matter within the mineral soils of the chalk landscape, and higher fertiliser application rates. This manuscript highlights that DOM composition varies according to catchment landscape character and hydrological function.

Associations Between the Molecular and Optical Properties of Dissolved Organic Matter in the Florida Everglades, a Model Coastal Wetland System

Optical properties are easy-to-measure proxies for dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition, source, and reactivity. However, the molecular signature of DOM associated with such optical parameters remains poorly defined. The Florida coastal Everglades is a subtropical wetland with diverse vegetation (e.g., sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows) and DOM sources (e.g., terrestrial, microbial, and marine). As such, the Everglades is an excellent model system from which to draw samples of diverse origin and composition to allow classically-defined optical properties to be linked to molecular properties of the DOM pool. We characterized a suite of seasonally- and spatially-collected DOM samples using optical measurements (EEM-PARAFAC, SUVA254, S275-295, S350-400, SR, FI, freshness index, and HIX) and ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS). Spearman's rank correlations between FTICR-MS signal intensities of individual molecular formulae and optical properties determined which molecular formulae were associated with each PARAFAC component and optical index. The molecular families that tracked with the optical indices were generally in agreement with conventional biogeochemical interpretations. Therefore, although they represent only a small portion of the bulk DOM pool, absorbance, and fluorescence measurements appear to be appropriate proxies for the aquatic cycling of both optically-active and associated optically-inactive DOM in coastal wetlands.

Climate-driven terrestrial inputs in ultraoligotrophic mountain streams of Andean Patagonia revealed through chromophoric and fluorescent dissolved organic matter

Fluvial networks transport a substantial fraction of the terrestrial production, contributing to the global carbon cycle and being shaped by hydrologic, natural and anthropogenic factors. In this investigation, four Andean Patagonian oligotrophic streams connecting a forested catchment (~125km(2)) and draining to a double-basin large and deep lake (Lake Moreno complex, Northwestern Patagonia), were surveyed to analyze the dynamics of the allochthonous subsidy. The results of a 30month survey showed that the catchment supplies nutrients and dissolved organic matter (DOM) to the streams. The eruption of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle at the beginning of the study overlapped with seasonal precipitation events. The largest terrestrial input was timed with precipitation which increased particulate materials, nutrients and DOM through enhanced runoff. Baseline suspended solids and nutrients were very low in all the streams (suspended solids: ~1mg/L; total nitrogen: ~0.02mg/L; total phosphorus: ~5μg/L), increasing several fold with runoff. Baseline dissolved organic carbon concentrations (DOC) ranged between 0.15 and 1mg/L peaking up to three-fold. Chromophoric and fluorescent analyses characterized the DOM as of large molecular weight and high aromaticity. Parallel factor modeling (PARAFAC) of DOM fluorescence matrices revealed three components of terrestrial origin, with certain degree of microbial processing: C1 and C2 (terrestrial humic-like compounds) and C3 (protein-like and pigment derived compounds). Seasonal changes in MOD quality represent different breakdown stages of the allochthonous DOM. Our survey allowed us to record and discuss the effects of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle eruption, showing that due to the high slopes, high current and discharge of the streams the volcanic material was rapidly exported to the Moreno Lake complex. Overall, this survey underscores the magnitude and timing of the allochthonous input revealing the terrestrial subsidy to food webs in Patagonian freshwaters, which are among the most oligotrophic systems of the world.

Contrasting biogeochemical characteristics of the Oubangui River and tributaries (Congo River basin)

The Oubangui is a major tributary of the Congo River. We describe the biogeochemistry of contrasting tributaries within its central catchment, with watershed vegetation ranging from wooded savannahs to humid rainforest. Compared to a 2-year monitoring record on the mainstem Oubangui, these tributaries show a wide range of biogeochemical signatures, from highly diluted blackwaters (low turbidity, pH, conductivity, and total alkalinity) in rainforests to those more typical for savannah systems. Spectral analyses of chromophoric dissolved organic matter showed wide temporal variations in the Oubangui compared to spatio-temporal variations in the tributaries, and confirm that different pools of dissolved organic carbon are mobilized during different hydrological stages. δ¹³C of dissolved inorganic carbon ranged between −28.1‰ and −5.8‰, and was strongly correlated to both partial pressure of CO₂ and to the estimated contribution of carbonate weathering to total alkalinity, suggesting an important control of the weathering regime on CO₂ fluxes. All tributaries were oversaturated in dissolved greenhouse gases (CH₄, N₂O, CO₂), with highest levels in rivers draining rainforest. The high diversity observed underscores the importance of sampling that covers the variability in subcatchment characteristics, to improve our understanding of biogeochemical cycling in the Congo Basin.

The importance of charge-transfer interactions in determining chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) optical and photochemical properties

Absorption of sunlight by chromophoric dissolved natural organic matter (CDOM) is environmentally significant because it controls photic zone depth and causes photochemistry that affects elemental cycling and contaminant fate. Both the optics (absorbance and fluorescence) and photochemistry of CDOM display unusual properties that cannot easily be ascribed to a superposition of individual chromophores. These include (i) broad, unstructured absorbance that decreases monotonically well into the visible and near IR, (ii) fluorescence emission spectra that all fall into a single envelope regardless of the excitation wavelength, and (iii) photobleaching and photochemical quantum yields that decrease monotonically with increasing wavelength. In contrast to a simple superposition model, these phenomena and others can be reasonably well explained by a physical model in which charge-transfer interactions between electron donating and accepting chromophores within the CDOM control the optical and photophysical properties. This review summarizes current understanding of the processes underlying CDOM photophysics and photochemistry as well as their physical basis.

Comparison of Two PARAFAC Models of Dissolved Organic Matter Fluorescence for a Mid-Atlantic Forested Watershed in the USA

The composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in a mid-Atlantic forested watershed was evaluated using two fluorescence models—one based on previously validated model (Cory and McKnight, 2005) and the other developed specifically for our study site. DOM samples for the models were collected from multiple watershed sources over a two-year period. The previously validated parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) model had 13 DOM components whereas our site-specific model yielded six distinct components including two terrestrial humic-like, two microbial-derived humic-like, and two protein-like components. The humic-like components were highest in surficial watershed sources and decreased from soil water to groundwater whereas the protein-like components were highest for groundwater sources. Discriminant analyses indicated that our site-specific model was more sensitive to subtle differences in DOM and the sum of the humic- and protein-like constituents yielded more pronounced differences among watershed sources as opposed to the prevalidated model. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) concentrations and selected DOM metrics were also more strongly correlated with the site-specific model components. These results suggest that while the pre-validated model may capture broader trends in DOM composition and allow comparisons with other study sites, a site-specific model will be more sensitive for characterizing within-site differences in DOM.

Tracing organic matter removal in polluted coastal waters via floating bed phytoremediation

Organic matter removal by cultured Sesuvium portulacastrum in constructed floating beds was studied during a 20 day greenhouse experiment and an 8 month field campaign in the polluted Yundang Lagoon (southeastern China). Experiments were traced via dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, fluorescence excitation-emission matrix and absorption spectroscopy. Two 'terrestrial' humic-like, one 'marine' humic-like and one protein-like components were identified by parallel factor analysis. The 'terrestrial' humic-like and protein-like components, DOC and absorption coefficient (a280) decreased during the greenhouse experiment. The intensities of four fluorescence components were all reduced during the field experiment. These results demonstrate the clear potential of floating bed phytoremediation techniques for reducing organic pollution degree in brackish environments. The rhizosphere may play an important role during phytoremediation. Our results show that spectrophotometric measurements such as fluorescence provide a useful tool for examining the removal of different organic moieties during various bioremediation processes.