Size‐based characterization of freshwater dissolved organic matter finds similarities within a waterbody type across different Canadian ecozones. Issue 2 (9th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aukes, Pieter J. K.; Schiff, Sherry L.; Venkiteswaran, Jason J.; Elgood, Richard J.; Spoelstra, John
• Is Part Of: Limnology and oceanography letters. Volume 6:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2021-02-09
• Subjects: Limnology -- Periodicals; Oceanography -- Periodicals; 551.46
• DOI: 10.1002/lol2.10180
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2378-2242

Abstract

Abstract: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) represents a mixture of organic molecules that vary due to different source materials and degree of processing. Characterizing how DOM composition evolves along the aquatic continuum can be difficult. Using a size‐exclusion chromatography technique (liquid chromatography‐organic carbon detection [LC‐OCD]), we assessed the variability in DOM composition from both surface and groundwaters across a number of Canadian ecozones (mean annual temperature spanning −10°C to +6°C). A wide range in DOM concentration was found from 0.2 to 120 mg C L −1 . Proportions of different size‐based groupings across ecozones were variable, yet similarities between specific waterbody types, regardless of location, suggest commonality in the processes dictating DOM composition. A principal component analysis identified 70% of the variation in LC‐OCD derived DOM compositions could be explained by the waterbody type. We find that DOM composition within a specific waterbody type is similar regardless of the differences in climate or surrounding vegetation where the sample originated from.