"Variation of organic matter quantity and quality in streams at Critica" by Matthew P. Miller, Elizabeth W. Boyer et al.

College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Publications

Title

Variation of organic matter quantity and quality in streams at Critical Zone Observatory watersheds

Authors

Matthew P. Miller, Pennsylvania State University
Elizabeth W. Boyer, Pennsylvania State University
Diane M. McKnight, University of Colorado Boulder
Michael G. Brown, Pennsylvania State University
Rachel S. Gabor, University of Colorado Boulder
Carolyn T. Hunsaker, USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station
Lidiia Iavorivska, Pennsylvania State University
Shreeram Inamdar, University of Delaware
Dale W. Johnson, University of Nevada, Reno
Louis A. Kaplan, Stroud Water Research Center
Henry Lin, Pennsylvania State University
William H. McDowell, University of New Hampshire Durham
Julia N. Perdrial, University of Vermont

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2016

Abstract

The quantity and chemical composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in surface waters influence ecosystem processes and anthropogenic use of freshwater. However, despite the importance of understanding spatial and temporal patterns in DOM, measures of DOM quality are not routinely included as part of large-scale ecosystem monitoring programs and variations in analytical procedures can introduce artifacts. In this study, we used consistent sampling and analytical methods to meet the objective of defining variability in DOM quantity and quality and other measures of water quality in streamflow issuing from small forested watersheds located within five Critical Zone Observatory sites representing contrasting environmental conditions. Results show distinct separations among sites as a function of water quality constituents. Relationships among rates of atmospheric deposition, water quality conditions, and stream DOM quantity and quality are consistent with the notion that areas with relatively high rates of atmospheric nitrogen and sulfur deposition and high concentrations of divalent cations result in selective transport of DOM derived from microbial sources, including in-stream microbial phototrophs. We suggest that the critical zone as a whole strongly influences the origin, composition, and fate of DOM in streams. This study highlights the value of consistent DOM characterization methods included as part of long-term monitoring programs for improving our understanding of interactions among ecosystem processes as controls on DOM biogeochemistry.

Rights Information

Recommended Citation

Miller MP, Boyer EW, McKnight DM, Brown MG, Gabor RS, Hunsaker CT, Iavorivska L, Inamdar S, Johnson DW, Kaplan LA, Lin H. Variation of organic matter quantity and quality in streams at C ritical Z one O bservatory watersheds. Water Resources Research. 2016 Oct;52(10):8202-16.