Unifying concepts linking dissolved organic matter composition to persistence in aquatic ecosystems
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Abstract
The link between composition and reactivity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is central to understanding the role aquatic systems play in the global carbon cycle; yet, unifying concepts driving molecular composition have yet to be established. We characterized 37 DOM isolates from diverse aquatic ecosystems, including their stable and radiocarbon isotopes (δ13C-dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and Δ14C-DOC), optical properties (absorbance and fluorescence), and molecular composition (ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry). Isolates encompassed end-members of allochthonous and autochthonous DOM from sites across the United States, the Pacific Ocean, and Antarctic lakes. Modern Δ14C-DOC and optical properties reflecting increased aromaticity, such as carbon specific UV absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254), were directly related to polyphenolic and polycyclic aromatic compounds, whereas enriched δ13C-DOC and optical properties reflecting autochthonous end-members were positively correlated to more aliphatic compounds. Furthermore, the two sets of autochthonous end-members (Pacific Ocean and Antarctic lakes) exhibited distinct molecular composition due to differences in extent of degradation. Across all sites and end-members studied, we find a consistent shift in composition with aging, highlighting the persistence of certain biomolecules concurrent with degradation time.
Suggested Citation
Kellerman, A.M., Guillemette, F., Podgorski, D.C., Aiken, G.R., Butler, K.D., Spencer, R.G., 2018, Unifying concepts linking dissolved organic matter composition to persistence in aquatic ecosystems: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 52, no. 5, p. 2538-2548, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b05513.
ISSN: 1520-5851 (online)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Unifying concepts linking dissolved organic matter composition to persistence in aquatic ecosystems |
| Series title | Environmental Science & Technology |
| DOI | 10.1021/acs.est.7b05513 |
| Volume | 52 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Publication Date | February 02, 2018 |
| Year Published | 2018 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | ACS |
| Contributing office(s) | National Research Program - Central Branch |
| Description | 11 p. |
| First page | 2538 |
| Last page | 2548 |