Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Distributions and characteristics of dissolved organic matter in temperate coastal waters (Southern North Sea)

  • Published:
Ocean Dynamics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The spatial and temporal distributions of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was studied in the East-Frisian Wadden Sea (Southern North Sea) during several cruises between 2002 and 2005. The spatial distribution of CDOM in the German Bight shows a strong gradient towards the coast. Tidal and seasonal variations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) identify freshwater discharge via flood-gates at the coastline and pore water efflux from tidal flat sediments as the most important CDOM sources within the backbarrier area of the Island of Spiekeroog. However, the amount and pattern of CDOM and DOC is strongly affected by various parameters, e.g. changes in the amount of terrestrial run-off, precipitation, evaporation, biological activity and photooxidation. A decoupling of CDOM and DOC, especially during periods of pronounced biological activity (algae blooms and microbial activity), is observed in spring and especially in summer. Mixing of the endmembers freshwater, pore water, and open sea water results in the formation of a coastal transition zone. Whilst an almost conservative behaviour during mixing is observed in winter, summer data point towards non-conservative mixing.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Beck M, Dellwig O, Kolditz K, Freund H, Liebezeit G, Schnetger B, Brumsack H-J (2007) In situ pore water sampling in deep intertidal flat sediments. Limnol Oceanogr Methods 5:136–144

    Google Scholar 

  • Beck M, Dellwig O, Liebezeit G, Schnetger B, Brumsack H-J (2008a) Spatial and seasonal variations of sulphate, dissolved organic carbon, and nutrients in deep pore waters of intertidal flat sediments. Estuar Coast Shelf Sci 79:307–316, doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2008.04.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beck M, Dellwig O, Holstein JM, Grunwald M, Liebezeit G, Schnetger B, Brumsack H-J (2008b) Sulphate, dissolved organic carbon, nutrients and terminal metabolic products in deep pore waters of an intertidal flat. Biogeochemistry 89:221–238, doi:10.1007/s10533-008-9215-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beck M, Dellwig O, Schnetger B, Brumsack H-J (2008c) Cycling of trace metals (Mn, Fe, Mo, U, V, Cr) in deep pore waters of intertidal flat sediments. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 72:2822–2840, doi:10.1016/j.gca.2008.04.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Billerbeck M, Werner U, Bosselmann K, Walpersdorf E, Huettel M (2006a) Nutrient release from an exposed intertidal sand flat. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 316:35–51, doi:10.3354/meps316035

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Billerbeck M, Werner U, Polerecky L, Walpersdorf E, de Beer D, Huettel M (2006b) Surficial and deep pore water circulation governs spatial and temporal scales of nutrient recycling in intertidal sand flat sediment. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 326:61–76, doi:10.3354/meps326061

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Breves W, Reuter R, Delling N, Michaelis W (2003) Fluorophores in the Arabian Sea and their relation to upwelling processes. Ocean Dyn 53:73–85, doi:10.1007/s10236-003-0025-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bricaud A, Morel A, Prieur L (1981) Absorption by dissolved organic matter of the sea (yellow substance) in the UV and visible domains. Limnol Oceanogr 26:43–53

    Google Scholar 

  • Callahan J, Dai M, Chen RF, Li X, Lu Z, Huang W (2004) Distribution of dissolved organic mater in the Pearl River Estuary. Mar Chem 89:211–224, doi:10.1016/j.marchem.2004.02.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang TS, Bartholomä A, Flemming BW (2006) Seasonal dynamics of fine-grained sediments in a back-barrier tidal basin of the German Wadden Sea (Southern North Sea). J Coast Res 22(2):328–338, doi:10.2112/03-0085.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen RF, Gardner GB (2004) High-resolution measurements of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in the Mississippi and Atchafalaya River plume regions. Mar Chem 89:103–125, doi:10.1016/j.marchem.2004.02.026

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Z, Hu C, Conmy RN, Muller-Karger F, Swarzenski P (2007) Colored dissolved organic matter in Tampa Bay, Florida. Mar Chem 104:98–109, doi:10.1016/j.marchem.2006.12.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coble PG (1996) Characterization of marine and terrestrial DOM in seawater using excitation–emission matrix spectroscopy. Mar Chem 51:325–346, doi:10.1016/0304-4203(95)00062-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coble PG, Green S, Blough NV, Gagosian RB (1990) Characterization of dissolved organic matter in the Black Sea by fluorescence spectroscopy. Nature 348:432–435, doi:10.1038/348432a0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conmy RN, Coble PG, Chen R, Gardner GB (2004) Optical properties of colored dissolved organic matter in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Mar Chem 89:127–144, doi:10.1016/j.marchem.2004.02.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Souza Sierra MM, Donard OFX, Lamotte M (1997) Spectral identification and behaviour of dissolved organic fluorescent material during estuarine mixing processes. Mar Chem 58:51–58, doi:10.1016/S0304-4203(97)00025-X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dellwig O, Bosselmann K, Kölsch S, Hentscher M, Hinrichs J, Böttcher ME, Reuter R, Brumsack H-J (2007a) Sources and fate of manganese in a tidal basin of the German Wadden Sea. J Sea Res 57(1):1–18, doi:10.1016/j.seares.2006.07.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dellwig O, Beck M, Lemke A, Lunau M, Kolditz K, Schnetger B, Brumsack H-J (2007b) Non-conservative behaviour of molybdenum in coastal waters (Wadden Sea of NW Germany): coupling of biological, sedimentological, and geochemical processes. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 71:2745–2761, doi:10.1016/j.gca.2007.03.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Del Castillo CE, Coble PG, Morell JM, Lopez JM, Corredor JE (1999) Analysis of the optical properties of the Orinoco River plume by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Mar Chem 66:35–51, doi:10.1016/S0304-4203(99)00023-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Del Vecchio R, Blough NV (2004) Spatial and seasonal distribution of chromophoric dissolved organic matter and dissolved organic carbon in the Middle Atlantic Bight. Mar Chem 89:169–187, doi:10.1016/j.marchem.2004.02.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Determann S (1995) Analyse biologischer und biochemischer Prozesse im Meer mit Fluoreszenzspektroskopie. Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Diss

  • Determann S, Reuter R, Wagner P, Willkomm R (1994) Fluorescent matter in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Part 1: method of measurement and near-surface distribution. Deep Sea Res Part I Oceanogr Res Pap 41(4):659–675, doi:10.1016/0967-0637(94)90048-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duursma EK (1974) The fluorescence of dissolved organic matter in the sea. In: Jerlov NG, Steeman Mielsen E (eds) Optical aspects of oceanography. Academic, London, pp 237–256

    Google Scholar 

  • Ertel JR, Hedges JI, Devol AH, Richey JE, Ribeiro MNG (1986) Dissolved humic substances in the Amazon river system. Limnol Oceanogr 31:739–754

    Google Scholar 

  • Flemming BW, Ziegler K (1995) High resolution grain size distribution patterns and textural trends in the backbarrier environment of Spiekeroog Island (southern North Sea). Senkenb Marit 26:1–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Gebhardt S (2005) Organisch-geochemische Untersuchungen der Oberflächengewässer aus dem Einzugsgebietder Sielacht Esens (Ostfriesland). Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Diss

  • Gueguen C, Guo L, Tanaka N (2005) Distributions and characteristics of colored dissolved organic matter in the Western Arctic Ocean. Cont Shelf Res 25:1195–1207, doi:10.1016/j.csr.2005.01.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Green SA, Blough NV (1994) Optical absorption and fluorescence properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in natural waters. Limnol Oceanogr 39:1903–1916

    Google Scholar 

  • Hedges JI (1992) Global biogeochemical cycles: progress and problems. Mar Chem 39:67–93, doi:10.1016/0304-4203(92)90096-S

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hedges JI, Eglinton G, Hatcher PG, Kirchman DL, Arnosti C, Derenne S, Evershed RP, Kögel-Knabner I, de Leeuw JW, Littke R, Michaelis W, Rullkötter J (2000) The molecularly-uncharacterized component of nonliving organic matter in natural environment. Org Geochem 31:945–958, doi:10.1016/S0146-6380(00)00096-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hong H, Wu J, Shang S, Hu C (2005) Absorption and fluorescence of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in the Pearl River Estuary, South China. Mar Chem 97:78–89, doi:10.1016/j.marchem.2005.01.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huettel M, Rusch A (2000) Transport and degradation of phytoplankton in permeable sediment. Limnol Oceanogr 45(3):534–549

    Google Scholar 

  • Huettel M, Ziebis W, Forster S, Luther GW (1998) Advective transport affecting metal and nutrient distributions and interfacial fluxes in permeable sediments. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 62(4):613–631, doi:10.1016/S0016-7037(97)00371-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalle K (1938) Zum Problem der Meerwasserfarbe. Ann Hydrol Mar Mitt 66:1–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalle K (1949) Fluoreszenz und Gelbstoff im Bottnischen und Finnischen Meerbusen. Ocean Dyn 2:117–124, doi:10.1007/BF02225972

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirk JTO (1988) Solar heating of water bodies as influenced by their inherent optical properties. J Geophys Res 93:10897–10908, doi:10.1029/JD093iD09p10897

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirk JTO (1994) Light and photosynthesis in aquatic ecosystems. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Kölsch S, Gebhardt S, Terjung F, Liebezeit G, Reuter R, Rullkötter J, Brumsack H-J (2003) Freshwater discharge into the East Frisian Wadden Sea: geochemistry of humic matter-rich waters. Berichte—Forschungszentrum Terramare 12:71–74

    Google Scholar 

  • Kouassi A, Zika R (1990) Light-induced alteration of the photophysical properties of dissolved organic matter in seawater. Neth J Sea Res 27(1):25–32, doi:10.1016/0077-7579(90)90031-B

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krause G, Budeus G, Gerdes G, Schaumann K, Hesse K (1986) Frontal systems in the German Bight and their physical and biological effects. In: Nihoul JCJ (ed) Marine interfaces ecohydrodynamics. Elsevier Oceanography Series 42, Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 119–140

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Lunau M, Lemke A, Dellwig O, Simon M (2006) Physical and biogeochemical controls of microaggregate dynamics in a tidally affected coastal ecosystem. Limnol Oceanogr 51:847–859

    Google Scholar 

  • Malcolm RL (1990) The uniqueness of humic substances in each of soil, stream ans marine environments. Ann Chem Acta 232:19–30, doi:10.1016/S0003-2670(00)81222-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller WL, Moran MA (1997) Interaction of photochemical and microbial processes in the degradation of refractory dissolved organic matter from a coastal marine environment. Limnol Oceanogr 42(6):1317–1324

    Google Scholar 

  • Mopper K, Schultz CA (1993) Fluorescence as a possible tool for studying the nature and water column distribution of DOC components. Mar Chem 41:229–238, doi:10.1016/0304-4203(93)90124-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moran MA, Hodson RE (1994) Dissolved humic substances of vascular plant origin in a coastal marine environment. Limnol Oceanogr 39(4):762–771

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moran MA, Sheldon WM Jr, Zepp RG (2000) Carbon loss and optical property changes during long-term photochemical and biological degradation of estuarine dissolved organic matter. Limnol Oceanogr 45(6):1254–1264

    Google Scholar 

  • Muller-Karger FE, McClain CR, Fisher TR, Esaias WE, Varela R (1989) Pigment distribution in the Caribbean Sea: observation from space. Prog Oceanogr 23:23.64

    Google Scholar 

  • Nieke B, Reuter R, Heuermann R, Wang H, Babin M, Therriault JC (1997) Light absorption and fluorescence properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), in St. Lawrence Estuary (Case2 waters). Cont Shelf Res 17(3):235–252, doi:10.1016/S0278-4343(96)00034-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Niesel V, Günther CP (1999) Distribution of nutrients, algae and zooplankton in the Spiekeroog backbarrier system. In: Dittmann S (ed) The Wadden Sea ecosystem—stability properties and mechanisms. Springer, Berlin, pp 77–94

    Google Scholar 

  • NLWKN (2000) Nährstoffeinträge in die Nordsee, Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft und Küstenschutz-Betriebsstelle Aurich

  • NLWKN (2004) Ermittlung von Abflüssen über Siel- und Pumpmengen in Ostfriesland, Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft und Küstenschutz-Betriebsstelle Aurich

  • Opsahl S, Benner R (1998) Photochemical reactivity of dissolved lignin in river and ocean waters. Limnol Oceanogr 43(6):1297–1304

    Google Scholar 

  • Puncken O, Badewien T, Reuter R (2006) MOSES (measuring system for the observation of sea surfaces): Lagrangian drift experiments in the East Frisian Wadden Sea. In: Marcal A (ed) Global developments in environmental earth observation from space. Millpress, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, pp 697–706

    Google Scholar 

  • Reuter R, Diebel-Langohr D, Doerffer R, Dörre F, Haardt H, Hengstermann T (1986) Optical properties of gelbstoff. In: The influence of yellow substances on remote sensing in seawater constituents from space, vol 2. GKSS Forschungszentrum Geesthacht, Germany, 58ff

  • Reuter R, Diebel D, Hengstermann T (1993) Oceanographic laser remote sensing: measurements of hydrographic fronts in the German Bight and in the Northern Adriatic Sea. Int J Remote Sens 14(5):823–848, doi:10.1080/01431169308904380

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rochelle-Newall EJ, Fisher TR (2002) Chromophoric dissolved organic matter and dissolved organic carbon in Chesapeake Bay. Mar Chem 77:23–41, doi:10.1016/S0304-4203(01)00073-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw TJ (2003) Methods and models for estimating advective pore water exchange in tidal flats. Berichte—Forschungszentrum Terramare 12:103–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Skoog A, Hall POJ, Hulth S, Paxéus N, Van Der Loeff MR, Westerlund S (1996) Early diagenetic production and sediment–water exchange of fluorescent dissolved organic matter in the coastal environment. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 60(19):3619–3629, doi:10.1016/0016-7037(96)83275-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spitzy A, Ittekkot V (1986) Gelbstoff: an uncharacterized fraction of dissolved organic carbon. In: The influence of yellow substances on remote sensing of seawater constituents from space, volume II, Appendix 1, 31 pp. ESA Contract No. RFQ 3-5060/84/NL/MD, GKSS Forschungszentrum Geesthacht, Germany, December 1986

  • Stanev EV, Wolff J-O, Burchard H, Bolding K, Flöser G (2003) On the Circulation in the East Frisian Wadden Sea: numerical modeling and data analysis. Ocean Dyn 53(1):27–51, doi:10.1007/s10236-002-0022-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sündermann J, Hesse K-J, Beddig S (1999) Coastal mass and energy fluxes in the southeastern North Sea. Ocean Dyn 51:113–132

    Google Scholar 

  • Traganza ED (1969) Fluorescence excitation and emission spectra of dissolved organic matter in sea water. Bull Mar Sci 19:897–904

    Google Scholar 

  • Velapoldi RA, Mielenz KD (1980) A fluorescence standard reference material: quinine sulphate dihydrate. NBS Special Publication SP 260-64. National Bureau of Standards, Washington DC, 139 pp. Available at http://ts.nist.gov/MeasurementServices/ReferenceMaterials/upload/SP260-64.PDF

  • Vodacek A, Blough NV, DeGrandpre MD, Peltzer ET, Nelson RK (1997) Seasonal variation of CDOM and DOC in the Middle Atlantic Bight: terrestrial inputs and photooxidation. Limnol Oceanogr 42(4):674–686

    Google Scholar 

  • Volkenborn N, Polerecky L, Hedtkamp SIC, van Beusekom JEE, de Beer D (2007) Bioturbation and bioirrigation extend the open exchange regions in permeable sediments. Limnol Oceanogr 52:1898–1909

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolff J-O, Flemming BW (2003) Tidal asymmetries, water exchanges and sediment transports in the East Frisian Wadden Sea. Berichte—Forschungszentrum Terramare 12:132–137

    Google Scholar 

  • Zimmermann JTF, Rommets JW (1974) Natural fluorescence as a tracer in the Dutch Wadden Sea and adjacent North Sea. Neth J Sea Res 8:117–125, doi:10.1016/0077-7579(74)90012-X

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the crews of R/V Senckenberg and R/V Heincke for their assistance and facilitation during the cruises. We wish to thank I. Ötken and A. Braun for their helpful assistance with the sample collection and analysis. We are also grateful to L. Aden (Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz, NLWKN) and J. Meinen-Hieronimus for providing the terrestrial run-off volumes via the flood-gates of Neuharlingersiel. The investigations are part of the research programme BioGeoChemistry of Tidal Flats funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) through grants FOR 432/1-1, RE 624/5 and BR 775/14-1/2.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany

    Andrea Lübben, Thomas H. Badewien & Rainer Reuter

  2. Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, 18119, Rostock, Germany

    Olaf Dellwig

  3. Faculty of Technology, University of Applied Sciences Fachhochschule Oldenburg/Ostfriesland/Wilhelmshaven, Constantiaplatz 4, 26723, Emden, Germany

    Sandra Koch

  4. Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany

    Olaf Dellwig, Melanie Beck & Sibylle Fischer

  5. OceanWaveS GmbH, Munstermannskamp 1, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany

    Andrea Lübben

Authors
  1. Andrea Lübben
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Olaf Dellwig
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sandra Koch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Melanie Beck
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Thomas H. Badewien
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Sibylle Fischer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Rainer Reuter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andrea Lübben.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Jörg-Olaf Wolff.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lübben, A., Dellwig, O., Koch, S. et al. Distributions and characteristics of dissolved organic matter in temperate coastal waters (Southern North Sea). Ocean Dynamics 59, 263–275 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10236-009-0181-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10236-009-0181-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation