Metal Distribution in Different Size Fractions of Natural Organic Matter

In this paper, size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) was used to determine the metal concentration in different size fractions of a bog lake water. Two methods were applied: (a) preparative SEC with off‐line metal concentration analysis and (b) direct coupling of an analytical SEC system on‐line with an inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP‐MS). In the preparative SEC measurements, maximum concentrations were found for different metal ions in different size fractions of the natural organic matter (NOM). Normalization of metal concentrations to dissolved organic carbon concentration (DOC) yielded two maxima in the high and in the very low molecular‐weight fractions. Whereas good recoveries were found for Al, Fe, and Ni, only 40% were obtained for Pb. This indicates that Pb formed labile complexes with NOM, and hence could strongly interact with the column material. In the experiments with the analytical SEC‐ICP‐MS system, the same trends were observed, but with even lower recoveries than in the preparative system. Sample preconcentration and storage were also investigated with respect to decrease in metal concentration. During the ultrafiltration preconcentration step Al and Fe were removed only to a small extent, whereas about half of the initial Pb was lost. This indicates that Al and Fe were mainly bound to high molecular‐weight fractions of NOM. In contrast to that, Al and in particular Fe were removed from solution more than proportionally with respect to DOC because of aggregation of the NOM during storage, whereas Pb and Ni were concentrated relative to the DOC.     

Dissolved Organic Carbon Fractions Formed during Composting of Municipal Solid Waste: Properties and Significance

The properties and transformation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) extracted (10 L water per kilogram compost) from municipal solid waste (MSW) compost at five stages (days 47, 77, 105, 126, and 187) of composting were investigated. The DOM was fractionated into hydrophobic or hydrophilic neutrals, acids, and bases. The unfractionated DOM, the hydrophobic acids and neutrals (HoA and HoN, respectively), and the hydrophilic neutrals (HiN) fractions were studied using solid-state ¹³C-NMR, FTIR, and DRIFT spectroscopy. The HoA fraction was found to be the dominant (percentage of total DOM) hydrophobic fraction, exhibiting a moderate increase during composting. The HoN fraction increased sharply from less than 1% to 18% of the total DOM during 187 days of composting, while the hydrophobic bases (HoB) exhibited the opposite trend. The HiN represented the major fraction of the hydrophiles up to 120 days of composting, decreasing thereafter by 38%. The relative concentration of the hydrophilic acids and bases (HiA and HiB, respectively) exhibited no consistent trend during composting. DRIFT spectra of the unfractionated DOM taken from the composting MSW revealed a decreasing level of polysaccharide structures with time. The ¹³C-NMR and FTIR spectra of the HoA fraction exhibited a polyphenol-humic structure, whereas the HoN spectra exhibited strong aliphatic features. The spectra of the HiN fraction confirmed its polysaccharide nature. During the final stage of composting, the DOM concentration was steady, while a relative decrease of HiN concomitant with an increase of HoA and HoN fractions was observed. These indicate that the DOM contained a low concentration of biodegradable organic matter and a higher content of macromolecules related to humic substances. The biological significance and heavy metal binding of these fractions are being studied based on earlier observations showing enhanced plant growth in the presence of DOM extracted from mature as opposed to immature compost.     

Determination of dissolved organic matter in streamwater using visible spectrophotometry

Absorbance at 360 nm was measured on 44 filtered streamwater samples of different dissolved organic matter (DOM) contents. A regression equation of DOM on absorbance predicted DOM with a standard error of estimate of 1.26 mgl^?1, Use of a published equation relating dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to absorbance gave DOC values for the samples which were consistent with measured DOM. The method offers considerable potential for rapid quantification of dissolved organic matter concentrations in streamwater.     

Metal binding by dissolved organic matter in hypersaline water: A size fractionation study using different isolation methods

The influence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on mineral extraction from salt lake brines depend on DOM quality. This study contributes to our knowledge of DOM’s metal binding behavior in hypersaline environments by characterization of DOM from lakes in the Qaidam Basin, i.e., Qarhan Lake (LQDOM), Da Qaidam (DQDOM) and West Ginair Salt Lake (WGDOM). The DOM was fractionated based on solid phase extraction (SPE) and ultrafiltration (UF), and the spectral and metal binding behavior of these fractions were studied by absorption spectroscopy, Pb(II) titration techniques and fluorescence parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis. The results showed that bulk DOM generally contained more dissolved organic carbon (DOC), lower specific UV absorbance (SUVA₂₅₄), higher fluorescence and biological indices, comparable humification index, and lower condition stability constants compared to the other nature waters. Compared with UF, SPE-derived DOM exhibited higher DOC recovery and aromaticity and lower carbohydrate yield. It appeared that the SPE procedure used affects the spectral composition of bulk DOM to a larger extent than UF. Source and molecular weight (MW)-dependent differences in abundance and quality of brine DOM was indicated by higher SUVA₂₅₄ in high MW DOM, for LQDOM and DQDOM, and humic-like fluorophores were mainly in high MW-DOM in each lake. Moreover, the high MW humic-like component exhibited higher metal binding potential than the bulk and low MW counterparts for LQDOM and DQDOM, while the inverse was observed for WGDOM. This study revealed the effects of isolation techniques on interpretation of DOM characteristics, and meanwhile highlighted the importance of origin- and MW-dependent DOM in manipulating the behavior, fate, and bioavailability of heavy metals in salt lake brine.     

A Preliminary Study of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) in Lake Taihu,a Shallow Subtropical Lake in China

The optical properties and spatial distribution of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu were evaluated and compared to the results in literature. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) ranged from 8.75 to 20.19 mg L^?1 with an average of (13.10 ± 3.51) mg L^?1. CDOM absorption coefficients a(λ) at 280 nm, 355 nm, and 440 nm were in the range 11.28...33.46 m^?1 (average (20.95 ± 5.52) m^?1), 2.42...7.90 m^?1 (average (4.92 ± 1.29) m^?1), and 0.65...2.44 m^?1 (average (1.46 ± 0.44) m^?1), respectively. In general, CDOM absorption coefficient and DOC concentration were found to decrease away from the river inflow to Meiliang Bay towards the lake center. The values of the DOC‐specific absorption coefficients a*(λ), given as absorption coefficient related to mass concentration of organic carbon (C) ranged from 0.28 to 0.47 L mg^?1 m^?1 at 355 nm. The determination coefficients between CDOM absorption and DOC concentration decreased with the increase of wavelength from 280 to 550 nm. The linear regression relationship between CDOM absorption at 280 nm and DOC concentration was following: a(280 nm) = 1.507 L mg^?1 m^?1 · DOC + 1.215 m^?1. The spectral slope S values were dependent on the wavelength range used in the regression. The estimated S values decreased with increasing wavelength range used. A significant negative linear relationship was found between CDOM absorption coefficients, DOC‐specific absorption coefficients and estimated S values especially in longer wavelength range. The linear regression relationship between DOC‐specific absorption coefficients at 440 nm and estimated S values during the wavelength range from 280 to 500 nm was following: a*(440 nm) = (–0.021 μm · S + 0.424) L mg^?1 m^?1.     

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) as a Sum Parameter of Water Pollution in Selected Polish Rivers (Vistula,Odra, and Warta)

This paper reports on total organic carbon (TOC) and its fractions dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) studied in different Polish rivers. The samples investigated came from the Vistula, Odra, and Warta rivers, and were compared with similar data on river waters available in the literature. The DOC concentrations ranged from 10.0 to 14.2 mg/L and did not vary during the vegetative season. The POC values considerably increased from May through September and reached a maximum in summer. Results for the years 1991τ1996 evidenced a significant increase in the POC value for the Polish rivers from 10.8 to 24.5 mg/L, in comparison with analogous values for West European rivers and North American ones. The enhanced values of TOC and POC were interpreted as being due to anthropogenic pollution.     

Patterns of dissolved organic matter in subarctic peatlands

Samples of water from poor to very rich fens in the Schefferville region of subarctic Quebec revealed strong spatial and temporal variations in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), ranging from 2 to 40 mg 1^?1. Concentrations of DOC tend to increase during the summer and decrease in the autumn, at most sites, which probably reflects increased plant tissue decomposition and higher rates of evapotranspiration. Principal components analysis revealed that DOC is strongly associated with Fe, NO^?₃-N and NO^?₂-N, but essentially independent of other chemical properties of the peat water, such as pH, Ca, Mg, K, P, and NH⁺₄-N. Based on observed concentrations of DOC and estimates of summer runoff (June to September), export of DOC from four peatlands ranges from 1·1 to 4·9 gCm^?2, with the lowest values for peatlands underlain by dolomite. Molecular weight fractionation of four samples revealed significant differences in the dissolved organic matter (DOM), with the largest fractions (GF/C to 10 000 nmw) being dominant in the more acid samples. The ratio of absorbance at 400 and 600 nm wavelengths (E₄:E₆) has been used as a simple indicator of differences in DOM type, ranging from 3 to 15. There is a strong seasonal pattern of increasing E₄:E₆ ratio during the summer at many sites, though this ratio is essentially independent of other chemical properties of peat waters.     

Effect of land cover and hydro‐meteorological controls on soil water DOC concentrations in a high‐elevation tropical environment

Páramo soils store high amounts of organic carbon. However, the effects of climate change and changes in land cover and use (LC/LU) in this high‐elevation tropical ecosystem may cause a decrease in their carbon storage capacity. Therefore, better understanding of the factors influencing the Páramo soils' carbon storage and export is urgently needed. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the differences in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in the soil water of four LC/LU types (tussock grass, natural forest, pine plantations, and pasture) and the factors controlling its variability in the Quinuas Ecohydrological Observatory in south Ecuador. Weekly measurements of soil water DOC concentrations, meteorological variables, soil water content, and temperature from various depths and slope positions were monitored within the soils' organic and mineral horizons between October 2014 and January 2017. These data were used to generate regression trees and random forest statistical models to identify the factors controlling soil water DOC concentrations. From high to low concentrations, natural forest depict the highest DOC concentrations followed by pasture, tussock grass, and pine forest. For all LC/LU types, DOC concentrations increase with decreasing soil moisture. Our results also show that LC/LU is the most important predictor of soil water DOC concentrations, followed by sampling depth and soil moisture. Interestingly, atmospheric variables and antecedent evapotranspiration and precipitation conditions show only little influence on DOC concentrations during the monitoring period. Our findings provide unique information that can help improve the management of soil and water resources in the Páramo and other peat dominated ecosystems elsewhere.     

Degradation and Leaching of Napropamide in BRIS Soil Amended with Chicken Dung and Palm Oil Mill Effluent

The degradation and leaching of napropamide were compared between Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales (BRIS) soil samples, and the same soil samples amended with 20 mg ha^?1 of either chicken dung (CD) or palm oil mill effluent (POME). The effects of removing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the soil samples on napropamide degradation and leaching were also studied. The addition of CD and POME to BRIS soil increased the napropamide half‐life values to 69 and 49.5 days, respectively. Sterilization of the soil samples resulted in partial inhibition of napropamide degradation in all soil samples. The half‐lives of napropamide in BRIS soils receiving 0, 20, 100, and 200 mg kg^?1 of DOC derived from CD were 43, 46.2, 53.4, and 63 days, respectively. The napropamide half‐lives in soil samples treated with 0, 20, 100, and 200 mg kg^?1 of DOC derived from POME were 43, 49.2, 57.7, and 69 days, respectively. However, in the sterilized soil samples, there were no significant effects of adding DOC derived from either CD or POME on napropamide half‐lives. Incorporating either CD or POME decreased napropamide leaching and total amounts of napropamide remained in the soil columns after two pore volumes of water has been leached were higher in the amended than the non‐amended soil. The CD was more effective in decreasing napropamide leaching than the POME. There were no effects of DOC on napropamide leaching in all soil treatments.     

The freshwater dissolved organic matter fluorescence–total organic carbon relationship

The fluorescent properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) enable comparisons of humic‐like (H‐L) and fulvic‐like (F‐L) fluorescence intensities with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in aquatic systems. The fluorescence‐DOC relationship differed in gradient, i.e. the fluorescence per gram of carbon, and in the strength of the correlation coefficient. We compare the fluorescence intensity of the F‐L and H‐L fractions and DOC of freshwater DOM in north Shropshire, England, featuring a river, wetland, spring, pond and sewage DOM sources. Correlations between fluorescence and DOC varied between sample sites. Wetland water samples for the F‐L peak gave the best correlation, r = 0·756; the lowest correlation was from final treated sewage effluent, r = 0·167. The relationship between fluorescence and DOC of commercially available International Humic Substances Society standards were also examined and they generally showed a lower fluorescence per gram of carbon for the F‐L peak than the natural samples, whereas peat wetland DOM gave a greater fluorescence per gram of carbon than river DOM. Here, we propose the strength of the fluorescence–DOC correlation to be a useful tool when discriminating sources of DOM in fresh water. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Distributions and characteristics of dissolved organic matter in temperate coastal waters (Southern North Sea)

The spatial and temporal distributions of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was studied in the East-Frisian Wadden Sea (Southern North Sea) during several cruises between 2002 and 2005. The spatial distribution of CDOM in the German Bight shows a strong gradient towards the coast. Tidal and seasonal variations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) identify freshwater discharge via flood-gates at the coastline and pore water efflux from tidal flat sediments as the most important CDOM sources within the backbarrier area of the Island of Spiekeroog. However, the amount and pattern of CDOM and DOC is strongly affected by various parameters, e.g. changes in the amount of terrestrial run-off, precipitation, evaporation, biological activity and photooxidation. A decoupling of CDOM and DOC, especially during periods of pronounced biological activity (algae blooms and microbial activity), is observed in spring and especially in summer. Mixing of the endmembers freshwater, pore water, and open sea water results in the formation of a coastal transition zone. Whilst an almost conservative behaviour during mixing is observed in winter, summer data point towards non-conservative mixing.     

Hydrochemical behaviour of dissolved nitrogen and carbon in a headwater stream of the Canadian Shield: relevance of antecedent soil moisture conditions

This paper examines the impact of contrasting antecedent soil moisture conditions on the hydrochemical response, here the changes in dissolved nitrogen (NO₃^?, NH₄⁺ and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON)) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, of a first‐order stream during hydrological events. The study was performed in the Hermine, a 5 ha forested watershed of the Canadian Shield. It focused on a series of eight precipitation events (spring, summer and fall) sampled every 2 or 3 h and showing contrasted antecedent moisture conditions. The partition of the eight events between two groups (dry or wet) of antecedent moisture conditions was conducted using a principal component analysis (PCA). The partition was controlled (first axis explained 86% of the variability) by the antecedent streamflow, the streamflow to precipitation ratio Q/P and by the antecedent groundwater depth. The mean H⁺, NO₃^?, NH₄⁺, total dissolved nitrogen and DOC concentrations and electrical conductivity values in the stream were significantly higher following dry antecedent conditions than after wetter conditions had prevailed in the Hermine, although the temporal variability was high (17 to 138%). At the event scale, a significantly higher proportion of the changes in DON, NO₃^?, and DOC concentrations in the stream was explained by temporal variations in discharge compared with the seasonal and annual scales. Two of the key hydrochemical features of the dry events were the synchronous changes in DOC and flow and the frequent negative relationships between discharge and NO₃^?. The DON concentrations were much less responsive than DOC to changes in discharge, whereas NH was not in phase with streamflow. During wet events, the synchronicity between streamflow and DON or NO₃^? was higher than during dry events and discharge and NO₃^? were generally positively linked. Based on these observations, the hydrological behaviour of the Hermine is conceptually compatible with a two‐component model of shallow (DON and DOC rich; variable NO₃^?) and deep (DON and DOC poor; variable NO₃^?) subsurface flow. The high NO₃^? and DOC levels measured at the early stages of dry events reflected the contribution from NO₃^?‐rich groundwaters. The contribution of rapid surface flow on water‐repellent soil materials located close to the stream channel is hypothesized to explain the DOC levels. An understanding of the complex interactions between antecedent soil moisture conditions, the presence of soil nutrients available for leaching and the dynamics of soil water flow paths during storms is essential to explain the fluxes of dissolved nitrogen and carbon in streams of forested watersheds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seasonal changes in iron transport and nature of dissolved organic matter in a humic river in northern Finland

Changes in the concentration of iron and dissolved organic matter (DOM), and in the colour and fluorescence properties in the River Kiiminkijoki were investigated as functions of the seasonal flow regime over a two-year period. The iron concentration in filtrates and the ratio of Fe to DOC in the river increased under low flow conditions and decreased during the flood periods. The colour of the dissolved organic matter increased with increasing iron content, the effect being more pronounced during the warm period of the year than in winter. The ratio of fluorescence to DOC increased during the warm period of the year but not in winter, and decreased rapidly with discharge at the beginning of the flood period in autumn. The results give indications of the origin, formation, nature, and fate of the DOM in the river water. Temperature-dependent microbiological processes in the formation and sedimentation of iron-organic colloids seem to be important. Estimates are given for the amounts and transport rates of iron discharged into the Gulf of Bothnia by the river.     

Effect of pH on binding of pyrene to hydrophobic fractions of dissolved organic matter(DOM) isolated from lake water

In order to better understand the compositional and structural complexity of dissolved organic matter(DOM) macromolecules and provide mechanistic information on the binding of hydrophobic organic contaminants(HOCs) to DOM, we fractionated large amounts of lake water into three hydrophobic DOM-fractions. The variation of the partitioning coef?cients(K_(DOC)) of pyrene at different p H levels was examined by ?orescence quenching titration. Results show that, relative to the more polar acidic DOM-fractions, the hydrophobic neutral fraction exhibits a higher sorption ability to pyrene. Generally, the sorption of pyrene to the three hydrophobic fractions is strongly pH-dependent. The K_(DOC) values of pyrene generally increase with decreasing p H levels, which is especially obvious in the sorption of pyrene to the fulvic acid fractions, suggesting that the binding is controlled by hydrophobic interactions. The mechanisms underlying the binding of pyrene to the hydrophobic fractions were also discussed. Our data are bene?cial to further understanding the binding of HOCs to DOM and how it has been affected,which may result in more accurate predictions of K_(DOC).     

Retention of chloride in soil and cycling of organic matter‐bound chlorine

Chloride (Cl_inorg) is generally considered to be a hydrologically and chemically inert substance. Past research suggests that Cl_inorg participates in a complex biogeochemical cycle involving the formation of organically bound chlorine (Cl_org). The present study examines whether Cl_org cycling is sufficiently extensive as to influence the geochemical cycling of Cl_inorg. Undisturbed soil cores were collected in a coniferous forest soil in SE Sweden. The cores were stored in climate chambers for three months, irrigated with artificial rain, and the leachate was collected and analysed. The water balance of the lysimeters could be well described, and we found that 20–50% of the chlorine leached from the lysimeters was organically bound and that the amounts lost did not decrease with time. This strongly suggests that a substantial amount of Cl_org forms in topsoil, and that subsequent leaching to deeper layers causes a considerable withdrawal of Cl_inorg. The concentration of both organic carbon and Cl_org in the leachate was considerably higher than concentrations observed in the runoff in the actual catchment, suggesting that organic matter precipitates or is mineralized on its way through the soil. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The composition of nutrient fluxes from contrasting UK river basins

Accurate estimates of N and P loads were obtained for four contrasting UK river basins over a complete annual cycle. The fractionation of these loads into dissolved and particulate, and inorganic and organic components allowed a detailed examination of the nutrient load composition and of the factors influencing both the relative and absolute magnitude of these components. The particulate phosphorus (TPP) loads account for 26–75% of the annual total phosphorus (TP) transport and are predominantly inorganic. The inorganic (PIP) and organic (POP) fractions of the TPP loads represent 20–47% and 6–28% of the annual TP transport, respectively. In contrast, the particulate nitrogen loads (TPN) represent 8% or less of the annual total nitrogen (TN) loads and are predominately organic. For dissolved P transport, the dissolved inorganic fraction (DIP) is more important, representing 15–70% of the TP loads, whereas the dissolved organic fraction (DOP) represents only 3–9% of the TP loads. The TN loads are dominated by the dissolved component and more particularly the total oxidized fraction (TON), which is composed of nitrate and nitrite and represents 76–82% of the annual TN transport. The remaining dissolved N species, ammonium (NH₄-N) and organic N (DON) account for 0·3–1·2% and 13–16% of the annual TN transport, respectively. The TPN and TPP fluxes closely reflect the suspended sediment dynamics of the study basins, which are in turn controlled by basin size and morphology. The dissolved inorganic nutrient fluxes are influenced by point source inputs to the study basins, especially for P, although the TON flux is primarily influenced by diffuse source contributions and the hydrological connectivity between the river and its catchment area. The dissolved organic fractions are closely related to the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dynamics, which are in turn influenced by land use and basin size. The magnitude of the NH₄-N fraction was dependent on the proximity of the monitoring station to point source discharges, because of rapid nitrification within the water column. However, during storm events, desorption from suspended sediment may be temporarily important. Both the magnitude and relative contribution of the different nutrient fractions exhibit significant seasonal variability in response to the hydrological regime, sediment mobilization, the degree of dilution of point source inputs and biological processes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectroscopic Investigation on Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Fractions of Dissolved Organic Matter Extracted from Soils at Different Salinities

Organic matter can be considered one of the most important indicators of the extent of soil desertification processes. Among the causes of desertification, salinization induced by different factors is raising the greatest concern in the Mediterranean area. In the present research, hydrophilic (HI) and hydrophobic (HO) fractions of dissolved organic matter (DOM) extracted from soils at different degrees of salinization have been investigated by means of spectroscopic techniques such as tridimensional fluorescence spectroscopy in the mode of emission excitation matrix (EEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The FT‐IR spectra were distinctive in differentiating HI from HO fractions and each DOM fraction as a function of soil salinity. The EEM spectra of HO fractions exhibited a shift toward longer emission wavelengths and higher fluorescence intensity (FI) values as compared to that of the HI fractions. These results could be ascribed to the different molecular complexities of HI and HO fractions. Further, a marked quenching effect was observed in the FI of both the DOM fractions with increasing soil salinity, which allowed to obtain immediate information on the soil salinity degree by comparing the fluorescence intensity.     

The effect of beech stemflow on spatial patterns of soil solution chemistry and seepage fluxes in a mixed beech/oak stand

Stemflow of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) represents a significant input of water and elements to the soil and might influence the spatial patterns and the rate of seepage fluxes at the stand scale. We investigated the soil solution chemistry at different depths and distances from the stem and the element fluxes with stemflow, throughfall and seepage in proximal and distal stem areas of a 130‐year‐old beech/oak forest in Steigerwald (northern Bavaria, Germany). The proximal stem area (in total 286 m² ha⁻¹) was defined as a 1 m², 60 cm deep cylinder around the beech stem. Seepage fluxes were calculated by a soil hydrological model for 1996 using measured soil matrix potentials and tree xylem flow data for calibration. Stemflow represented 6·6% of the annual soil water input. With the exception of H⁺ fluxes, less than 10% of the total element fluxes with throughfall and stemflow reached the soil via stemflow. The volume‐weighted concentrations of H⁺, K⁺ and SO₄²⁻ in stemflow were higher than those in throughfall, while other elements had similar concentrations. Soil solution K⁺ concentrations decreased with stem distance, but the Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻ concentrations increased. Gradients for other elements were not statistically significant. Stemflow had a strong influence on the spatial patterns of element fluxes with seepage. The water fluxes through the soil of the proximal stem areas at a depth of 60 cm contributed 13·5% to the total seepage at the stand scale. Proximal to the stems about 20% of total seepage for K⁺, Mn²⁺, Alⁿ⁺, dissolved organic N and dissolved organic C were concentrated, but only 8–10% for Na⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺. The loss of acid‐neutralizing capacity calculated from the flux balance was about four times higher proximal to the stems compared with distal areas, indicating high rates of soil acidification proximal to the stems. Our results confirm the concept of a microsite around beech stems, characterized by high element and water fluxes in comparison with distal stem areas. Calculations of seepage fluxes and element budgets in beech stands have to consider the spatial heterogeneity of fluxes induced by stemflow. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.