Mobilization of optically invisible dissolved organic matter in response to rainstorm events in a tropical forest headwater river. Issue 4 (19th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pereira, Ryan; Isabella Bovolo, C.; Spencer, Robert G. M.; Hernes, Peter J.; Tipping, Edward; Vieth‐Hillebrand, Andrea; Pedentchouk, Nikolai; Chappell, Nick A.; Parkin, Geoff; Wagner, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 41:Issue 4(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 1202
• Page End: 1208
• Publication Date: 2014-02-19
• Subjects: Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2013GL058658
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>This study emphasizes the importance of rainstorm events in mobilizing carbon at the soil‐stream interface from tropical rainforests. Half‐hourly geochemical/isotopic records over a 13.5 h period from a 20 km² tropical rainforest headwater in Guyana show an order of magnitude increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in less than 30 mins (10.6–114 mg/L). The composition of DOC varies significantly and includes optically invisible dissolved organic matter (iDOM) that accounts for a large proportion (4–89%) of the total DOC, quantified using size exclusion chromatography (SEC). SEC suggests that iDOM is comprised of low molecular weight organic moieties, which are likely sourced from fresh leaf litter and/or topsoil, as shown in soils from the surrounding environment. Although poorly constrained at present, the presence of iDOM further downstream during the wet season suggests that this organic matter fraction may represent an unquantified source of riverine CO₂ outgassing in tropical headwaters, requiring further consideration.</p> </abstract>