Optical properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in surface and pore waters adjacent to an oil well in a southern California salt marsh

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) optical properties were measured in surface and pore waters as a function of depth and distance from an oil well in a southern California salt marsh. Higher fluorescence and absorbances in pore vs. surface waters suggest soil pore water is a reservoir of CDOM in the marsh. Protein-like fluorophores in pore waters at distinct depths corresponded to variations in sulfate depletion and Fe(II) concentrations from anaerobic microbial activity. These variations were supported by fluorescence indexes and are consistent with differences in optical molecular weight and aromaticity indicators. Fluorescence indices were consistent with autochthonous material of aquatic origin in surface waters, with more terrestrial, humified allochthonous material in deeper pore waters. CDOM optical properties were consistent with significantly enhanced microbial activity in regions closest to the oil well, along with a three-dimensional excitation/emission matrix fluorescence spectrum peak attributable to oil, suggesting anaerobic microbial degradation of oil.     

River network travel time is correlated with dissolved organic matter composition in rivers of the contiguous United States

Most terrestrial allochthonous organic matter enters river networks through headwater streams during high flow events. In headwaters, allochthonous inputs are substantial and variable, but become less important in streams and rivers with larger watersheds. As allochthonous dissolved organic matter (DOM) moves downstream, the proportion of less aromatic organic matter with autochthonous characteristics increases. How environmental factors converge to control this transformation of DOM at a continental scale is less certain. We hypothesized that the amount of time water has spent travelling through surface waters of inland systems (streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs) is correlated to DOM composition. To test this hypothesis, we used established river network scaling relationships to predict relative river network flow-weighted travel time (FWTT) of water for 60 stream and river sites across the contiguous United States (3090 discrete samples over 10 water years). We estimated lentic contribution to travel times with upstream in-network lake and reservoir volume. DOM composition was quantified using ultraviolet and visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. A combination of FWTT and lake and reservoir volume was the best overall predictor of DOM composition among models that also incorporated discharge, specific discharge, watershed area, and upstream channel length. DOM spectral slope ratio (R² = 0.77) and Freshness Index (R² = 0.78) increased and specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (R² = 0.68) and Humification Index (R² = 0.44) decreased across sites as a function of FWTT and upstream lake volume. This indicates autochthonous-like DOM becomes continually more dominant in waters with greater FWTT. We assert that river FWTT can be used as a metric of the continuum of DOM composition from headwaters to rivers. The nature of the changes to DOM composition detected suggest this continuum is driven by a combination of photo-oxidation, biological processes, hydrologically varying terrestrial subsidies, and aged groundwater inputs.     

Organic matter in the water of lakes near the Lower Amur floodplain

The concentration and dynamics of organic matter in the Lower Amur water and near-floodplain lakes in the period of spring-summer flood and summer high low-flow period are described on the basis of hydrochemical and hydrological studies carried out in 2004–2005. The contribution of lakes to the organic component of Amur water is shown to vary within wide limits and depend on allochthonous and autochthonous processes as well as on the phase of Amur water regime.     

Methane levels in shallow subtropical lake sediments: Dependence on the trophic status of the lake and allochthonous input

The vertical sediment profiles (10 cm) of the margins of three shallow subtropical lakes (Rio Grande, Brazil) with different trophic states and surrounding areas were evaluated to identify the effects of the allochthonous input on the methane concentration in the sediment. Sediment cores were collected to quantify the organic matter content (OM) and total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP) and methane (CH₄) concentrations.The three lakes were distinguished according to the trophic status and classified as oligotrophic, dystrophic and eutrophic. The natural characteristics of the dystrophic and eutrophic lakes have been changed due to the allochthonous input of leaves and twigs (Eucalyptus sp.) and the excreta of birds, respectively. In the eutrophic lake, the allochthonous input contributed to high autochthonous production. The highest values of OM, TC, TN and TP were found in the superficial sediments of the dystrophic and eutrophic lakes. The accumulation of allochthonous organic matter in the littoral zone promoted changes in the vertical sediment profiles and contributed to increases in the CH₄ concentrations in the sediment.     

Dissolved organic matter in surface runoff in the Loess Plateau of China: The role of rainfall events and land-use

Exploring the chemical characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is important for understanding the fate of laterally transported organic matter in watersheds. We hypothesized that differences in water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) in soils of varying land uses and rainfall events may significantly affect the quality and the quantity of stream DOM. To test our hypotheses, characteristics of rainfall-runoff DOM and WEOM of source materials (topsoil from different land uses and gullies, as well as typical vegetation) were investigated at two adjacent catchments in the Loess Plateau of China, using ultraviolet–visible absorbance and excitation emission matrix fluorescence with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Results indicated that land-use types may significantly affect the chemical composition of soil WEOM, including its aromaticity, molecular weight, and degree of humification. The PARAFAC analysis demonstrated that the soils and stream water were dominated by terrestrial/allochthonous humic-like substances and microbial transformable humic-like fluorophores. Shifts in the fluorescence properties of stream DOM suggested a pronounced change in the relative proportion of allochthonous versus autochthonous material under different rainfall patterns and land uses. For example, high proportions of forestland could provide more allochthonous DOM input. This study highlights the relevance of soils and hydrological dynamics on the composition and fluxes of DOM issuing from watersheds. The composition of DOM in soils was influenced by land-use type. Precipitation patterns influenced the proportion of terrestrial versus microbial origins of DOM in surface runoff. Contributions of allochthonous, terrestrially derived DOM inputs were highest from forested landscapes.     

Land–ocean distribution of allochthonous organic matter in surface sediments of the Chiloé and Aysén interior seas (Chilean Northern Patagonia)

We investigated the relative distribution of allochthonous (i.e., terrigenous) organic matter in the complex, continuous, river–fjord–sound–channel–gulf system of Chile’s North Patagonia (41.5–46.5°S) in order to establish whether this organic matter can reach the open ocean or whether it is largely retained near its fluvial sources. Grain size distribution, total organic carbon and total nitrogen contents, and carbon stable isotope contents (δ¹³C) were quantified in 53 surface sediment samples collected during the CIMAR Fiordos cruises 1, 4, 8, and 10, as were salinity and silicic acid concentrations in the surface waters. A principal component analysis segregated the Chiloé and Aysén interior seas into two zones: (i) the continental fjords, with sediment enriched in allochthonous organic matter, having higher C:N molar ratios (10–14) and lower δ¹³C composition (?23‰ to ?27‰); and (ii) the channels and gulfs, with a prevalent autochthonous marine source, having lower C:N values (6–10) and higher δ¹³C composition (?20‰ to ?23‰). Estuarine waters with low salinity (2–30) and high silicic acid (10–90 μM) were associated with high C:N ratios and low δ¹³C in surface sediments, meaning that terrestrial organic matter was transported up to the mouth of the continental fjords. A two-source mixing model confirmed that allochthonous (terrestrial) organic matter contents (50–90%) associated with local river discharges were present within the continental fjords. On the contrary, autochthonous (marine) organic matter was prevalent (50–90%) at the sites in the marine influenced channels, sounds, and gulfs.     

Photodegradation of autochthonous and allochthonous dissolved organic matter in a natural tropical lake

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is one of the most abundant fractions of organic matter in aquatic systems and plays an important role in the dynamics of aquatic environments, controlling both the penetration and the underwater light radiation climate. DOC can be photodegraded by light, thus facilitating biodegradation, especially in regions where the incidence of solar radiation is high, such as higher altitudes and lower latitudes. This study quantified the photodegradation of dissolved organic material in a natural tropical lake surrounded by native forests (Brazilian Atlantic Forest) through two experiments: i) the first experiment exposed concentrated autochthonous, allochthonous, and lake water to in situ solar radiation; ii) this experiment also exposed the same organic material to artificial UV radiation in an incubator under controlled conditions. The quality and quantity of dissolved organic carbon were measured using indices based on carbon absorbance and fluorescence spectrum. In the in situ experiment, it was observed that the DOC degradation profile of the concentrated allochthonous and autochthonous organic material were distinct from each other in the absorbance indices, and the lake water mostly resembled the latter one. On the other hand, we did not see evidence of any significant difference among treatments in the laboratory experiment. An increase in the SR index and a concomitant decrease in the fluorescence of humic compounds and SUVA₂₅₄ over time were observed. In both experiments, the amount of degraded organic material over time was low and some possible explanations are discussed.     

Allochthonous subsidies of organic matter across a lake–river–fjord landscape in the Chilean Patagonia: Implications for marine zooplankton in inner fjord areas

Ecosystems can act as both sources and sinks of allochthonous nutrients and organic matter. In this sense, fjord ecosystems are a typical interface and buffer zone between freshwater systems, glaciated continents, and the coastal ocean. In order to evaluate the potential sources and composition of organic matter across fjord ecosystems, we characterized particulate organic matter along a lake–river–fjord corridor in the Chilean Patagonia using stable isotope (δ¹³C) and lipid (fatty acid composition) biomarker analyses. Furthermore, estimates of zooplankton carbon ingestion rates and measurements of δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N in zooplankton (copepods) were used to evaluate the implications of allochthonous subsidies for copepods inhabiting inner fjord areas. Our results showed that riverine freshwater flows contributed an important amount of dissolved silicon but, scarce nitrate and phosphate to the brackish surface layer of the fjord ecosystem. Isotopic signatures of particulate organic matter from lakes and rivers were distinct from their counterparts in oceanic influenced stations. Terrestrial allochthonous sources could support around 68–86% of the particulate organic carbon in the river plume and glacier melting areas, whereas fatty acid concentrations were maximal in the surface waters of the Pascua and Baker river plumes. Estimates of carbon ingestion rates and δ¹³C in copepods from the river plume areas indicated that terrestrial carbon could account for a significant percentage of the copepod body carbon (20–50%) during periods of food limitation. Particulate organic matter from the Pascua River showed a greater allochthonous contribution of terrigenous/vascular plant sources. Rivers may provide fjord ecosystems with allochthonous contributions from different sources because of the distinct vegetation coverage and land use along each river’s watershed. These observations have significant implications for the management of local riverine areas in the context of any human project that may modify terrestrial habitats as well as the productivity, food webs, and community structure of rivers, lakes, fjords, and the coastal ocean in the Chilean Patagonia.     

An isotopic model for the origin of autochthonous organic matter contained in the bottom sediments of a reservoir

Geochemical analysis of surface sediment samples collected in 2005 and 2006 was used to evaluate the potential sources of the organic matter present in sediments of southeast Poland's Solina Reservoir.Statistical analysis of sediment variables(carbon to nitrogen ratio, and the carbon 13 and nitrogen 15 isotope ratios) determined for the organic fraction indicated significant spatial variability with respect to sources of organic matter. A binary mixing model was developed from literature sources to predict the relative contributions of allochthonous and autochthonous production to sediment organic matter.Autochthonous production was shown to account for 60-75% of bulk sedimentation in the lacustrine parts of the reservoir, near the dam. In contrast, autochthonous production accounted for only 25% of sedimentation in the riverine zone receiving stream inputs. Statistical analysis identified the δ~(15)N of organic matter as the best predictor of the source of organic matter. Multiple regression analysis indicated that two water-quality variables(nitrate and dissolved silica) were significantly related to the δ~(15)N signature of organic matter. This led to a conclusion that limnetic nitrate and dissolved silica concentrations were regulating organic matter production in the Solina Reservoir.     

不同来源有色溶解性有机物光化学/微生物降解过程

城市非点源污染向水生生态系统中输入大量的溶解有机物(DOM),对生态系统健康产生重要影响.有色可溶性有机物(CDOM)是广泛分布于自然水体中的一类成分和结构复杂、含有多种高活性化学官能团的大分子聚合物,是DOM的重要组分,对水生生态系统健康、能量流动及生物地球化学循环有重要影响.光化学反应和微生物代谢过程被认为是控制水体CDOM转化、降解和循环的主要影响因素.然而,对城市化如何影响CDOM组成以及光化学和微生物如何相互作用影响城市水体CDOM动态的理解是不足的.因此,为评估光化学过程和微生物代谢对不同城市水体CDOM降解与转化的贡献,解析不同城市水体CDOM光化学/微生物降解作用机理,本研究在英国伯明翰选择3类具有典型DOM来源的水体样本,通过实验室9 d受控培养实验,对比分析光化学以及微生物影响下CDOM来源和组成的变化.结果表明:(1)城市河流由于接受上游污水排放及较短的水力滞留时间,含有丰富的芳香性碳,其CDOM光化学活性明显高于湖泊,光化学降解率为16.60%;(2)城市湖泊CDOM受人类活动影响,自生源类荧光成分富集,生物活性高,在微生物培养过程中CDOM增加了62.16%,...     

有色可溶性有机物(CDOM)吸收作为湖库化学需氧量监测替代指标的探讨

化学需氧量是衡量水体中有机物量及污染程度的综合性指标,也是我国《地表水环境质量标准（GB 3838—2002）》的重要评价指标.然而,由于测定过程缓慢和使用了有毒有害试剂易于形成二次污染,现行标准的高锰酸钾和重铬酸钾化学需氧量测定方法无法做到环境友好,也不能反映当前快速和实时监测的技术需求.因此,迫切需要发展操作简便、快速高效、灵敏可靠、环境友好和环保绿色的化学需氧量替代检测方法.本文首先从文献计量学视角比较我国与世界上发达国家化学需氧量研究主题论文发文量,剖析了我国发展化学需氧量替代检测方法的迫切性.基于全国大范围65个湖库706个样本有色可溶性有机物吸收系数、化学需氧量和其他水质参数同步调查数据,构建广覆盖范围的有色可溶性有机物特征波长吸收系数和化学需氧量间高精度线性关系模型,确定了地表水环境质量评价的吸收系数阈值,模型可以广泛应用于不同类型（深水、浅水、大型、中型、小型）和不同营养状态（贫、中、富营养）湖库水体有机物浓度的定量表征,具有一定普适性.通过对比有色可溶性有机物吸收系数和传统的高锰酸钾、重铬酸钾法优势和不足,明确了有色可溶性有机物吸收系数替代化学需氧量用于湖库水体开展有机物表征和污染程度评价的可行性和应用前景.     

Chemical composition of organic and mineral substances in silt bottom sediments of non-contaminated water bodies

Results of studying group and constituent composition of natural organic and mineral substances in silt bottom sediments of non-contaminated freshwater bodies are presented. The chemical composition of the investigated bottom sediments is shown to be complicated, diverse, and include products of autochthonous and allochthonous substance transformation. The necessity of further studying the concentrations of nutrients found in the bottom sediments of non-contaminated freshwater bodies, regarded as the “background” in estimating their environmental state, in studying processes occurring within water bodies, in determining natural and anthropogenic components of mineral and organic substances, as well as in estimating the balneologic value of the water bodies in question is substantiated.     

Effects of pollen leaching and microbial degradation on organic carbon and nutrient availability in lake water

Nutrient fluxes across terrestrial-aquatic boundaries and their subsequent integration into lake nutrient cycles are currently a major topic of aquatic research. Although pollen represents a good substrate for microorganisms, it has been neglected as a terrestrial source of organic matter in lakes. In laboratory experiments, we incubated pollen grains of Pinus sylvestris in water of lakes with different trophy and pH to estimate effects of pollen input and its subsequent microbial degradation on nutrient dynamics. In this ex situ experiment, we measured concentrations of organic carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen in the surrounding water as well as microbial dynamics (bacteria and fungal sporangia) at well-controlled conditions. Besides leaching, chemical and microbial decomposition of pollen was strongest within the first week of incubation. This led to a marked increase of soluble reactive phosphorus and total dissolved nitrogen (up to 0.04 and 1.5 mg L⁻¹, respectively, after 5 days of incubation) in the ambient water. In parallel, pollen grains were rapidly colonized by heterotrophic bacteria and aquatic fungi. Leaching and microbial degradation of pollen accounted for ≥80, ≥40, ≥50% for organic C, N and P, respectively, and did not significantly differ among water samples from the studied lakes. Thus, pollen introduces high amounts of bio-available terrestrial organic matter and nutrients into surface waters within a short time. A rough calculation on P input into oligotrophic Lake Stechlin indicates that pollen plays an important ecological role in nutrient cycling of temperate lakes. This requires further attention in aquatic ecology.     

Hydroclimatic controls on dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics and implications for trace metal transport in Hwangryong River Watershed,Korea, during a summer monsoon period

Frequent heavy rainfalls during the East Asian summer monsoon drastically increase water flow and chemical loadings to surface waters. A solid understanding of hydroclimatic controls on watershed biogeochemical processes is crucial for water quality control during the monsoon period. We investigated spatio‐temporal variations in the concentrations and spectroscopic properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the concentrations of trace metals in Hwangryong River, Korea, during a summer period from the relatively dry month of June through the following months with heavy rainfall. DOM and its spectroscopic properties differed spatially along the river, and also depended on storm and flow characteristics around each sampling time. At a headwater stream draining a forested watershed, the concentrations (measured as dissolved organic carbon (DOC)), aromaticity (measured as specific UV absorbance at 254 nm), and fulvic acid‐ and protein‐like fluorescence of DOM were higher in stormflow than in baseflow waters. DOC concentrations and fluorescence intensities increased along the downstream rural and urban sites, in which DOC and fluorescence were not higher in stormflow waters, except for the ‘first flush’ at the urban site. The response of DOM in reservoir waters to monsoon rainfalls differed from that of stream and river waters, as illustrated by storm‐induced increases in DOM aromaticity and fulvic‐like fluorescence, and no significant changes in protein‐like fluorescence. The results suggest that surface water DOM and its spectroscopic properties differentially respond to changes in hydroclimatic conditions, depending on watershed characteristics and the influence of anthropogenic organic matter loadings. DOC concentrations and intensities of spectroscopic parameters were positively correlated with some of the measured trace metals (As, Co, and Fe). Further research will be needed to obtain a better understanding of climate effects on the interaction between DOM and trace metals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

湖泊光学研究进展及其展望

从湖泊光学研究理论框架、研究方法、水体生物光学特性、有色可溶性有机物(CDOM)生物地球化学循环、光与浮游植物相互关系、沉积物再悬浮光学效应、湖泊水色遥感等几个方面全面回顾了湖泊光学研究进展.湖泊光学研究理论框架主要包括各光学组份吸收、散射、漫射衰减及辐射传输方程;近年来,逐步发展了野外时空格局调查、水动力水华过程连续...     

Balance evaluation of the role of lateral inflow in water quality formation in the reservoirs of the water divide reach of the Moscow Canal

Estimates of the chemical load of reservoirs in the water divide reach of the Moscow Canal in terms of phosphates, ammonium ion, nitrates, chlorides, organic matter (by permanganate oxidability), and BOD are given. Matter fluxes for lateral tributaries are compared with the fluxes along the canal, and the obtained relationships are used to evaluate seasonal variations in the role of lateral inflow in water quality formation in the reservoirs. The role of tributaries is shown to increase with decreasing volumes of Volga water transfer.