<scp>Size‐based</scp> characterization of freshwater dissolved organic matter finds similarities within a waterbody type across different Canadian ecozones

Pieter J. K. Aukes, Sherry L. Schiff, Jason J. Venkiteswaran, Richard J. Elgood, John Spoelstra, Pieter J. K. Aukes, Sherry L. Schiff, Jason J. Venkiteswaran, Richard J. Elgood, John Spoelstra


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.
Cite:
Pieter J. K. Aukes, Sherry L. Schiff, Jason J. Venkiteswaran, Richard J. Elgood, John Spoelstra, Pieter J. K. Aukes, Sherry L. Schiff, Jason J. Venkiteswaran, Richard J. Elgood, and John Spoelstra. 2021. Size‐based characterization of freshwater dissolved organic matter finds similarities within a waterbody type across different Canadian ecozones. Limnology and Oceanography Letters, Volume 6, Issue 2, 6(2):85–95.
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