Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Seasonal pattern of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in watershed sources: influence of hydrologic flow paths and autumn leaf fall

  • Published:
Biogeochemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Seasonal patterns of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were evaluated for multiple watershed sources and stream water during baseflow and stormflow to investigate the influence of hydrologic flow paths and key phenological events. Watershed sources sampled were throughfall, litter leachate, soil water, and deep groundwater. DOM data for a 4-year period (2008–2011) included: DOC concentrations and spectrofluorometric indices such as a254, humification index, protein-like and humic-like DOM. Seasons were defined as—winter (December–February), spring (March–May), summer (June–September) and autumn (October and November). Seasonal differences in DOM were most pronounced for surficial flow paths (e.g., stormflow, litter leachate, throughfall and soil water) but muted or absent for groundwater and baseflow. This was attributed to the loss of DOM by sorption on mineral soil surfaces and/or microbial breakdown. DOM in summer stormflow had higher DOC concentrations and was more humic in character versus DOM in spring and winter runoff. Storm events in early autumn produced a sharp increase in DOC concentrations and % protein-like DOM for stream waters and litter leachate. Elevated DOC concentrations for early spring throughfall were attributed to leaching of organic exudates associated with leaf emergence. Our results underscore that watershed and ecosystem studies need to pay a greater attention to surficial flow paths and runoff sources (including stormflow) for understanding seasonal patterns of DOM. Understanding the influence of phenological episodes such as autumn leaf-fall for DOM is important considering that these transitional events may be especially affected by climate change.

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

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aiken GR, Gilmour CC, Krabbenhoft DP, Orem W (2011) Dissolved organic matter in the florida everglades: implications for ecosystem restoration. Crit Rev Environ Sci Technol 41:217–248. doi:10.1080/10643389.2010.530934

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aitkenhead-Peterson JA, McDowell WH, Neff JC (2003) Sources, production, and regulation of allochthonous dissolved organic matter inputs to surface waters. In: Findlay SEG, Sinsabaugh RL (eds) Aquatic ecosystems: interactivity of dissolved organic matter. Academic Press, Amsterdam, pp 25–70

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Amon RMW, Benner R (1996) Photochemical and microbial consumption of dissolved organic carbon and dissolved oxygen in the Amazon River system. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 60:1783–1792. doi:10.1016/0016-7037(96)00055-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andrews DM, Lin H, Zhu Q et al (2011) Hot spots and hot moments of dissolved organic carbon export and soil organic carbon storage in the shale hills catchment. Vadose Zone J 10:943–954. doi:10.2136/vzj 2010.0149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Battin TJ, Kaplan LA, Findlay S et al (2008) Biophysical controls on organic carbon fluxes in fluvial networks. Nat Geosci 1:95–100. doi:10.1038/ngeo602

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bender MA, Knutson TR, Tuleya RE et al (2010) Modeled impact of anthropogenic warming on the frequency of intense Atlantic hurricanes. Science 327:454–458. doi:10.1126/science.1180568

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernhardt ES, Likens GE (2002) Dissolved organic carbon enrichment alters nitrogen dynamics in a forest stream. Ecology 83:1689–1700

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bolan NS, Adriano DC, Kunhikrishnan A et al (2011) Dissolved organic matter: biogeochemistry, dynamics, and environmental significance in soils. In: Sparks D (ed) Advances in agronomy, 1st edn. Elsevier Inc., New York, pp 1–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonan GB (2008) Forests and climate change: forcings, feedbacks, and the climate benefits of forests. Science 320:1444–1449. doi:10.1126/science.1155121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borken W, Matzner E (2009) Reappraisal of drying and wetting effects on C and N mineralization and fluxes in soils. Glob Change Biol 15:808–824. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2486.2008.01681.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brooks PD, Haas PA, Huth AK (2007) Seasonal variability in the concentration and flux of organic matter and inorganic nitrogen in a semiarid catchment, San Pedro River, Arizona. J. Geophys. Res 112:G03S04. doi:10.1029/2006JG000275

    Google Scholar 

  • Buffam I, Galloway JN, Blum LK, McGlathery KJ (2001) A stormflow/baseflow comparison of dissolved organic matter concentrations and bioavailability in an Appalachian stream. Biogeochemistry 53:269–306. doi:10.1023/A:1010643432253

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Butman D, Raymond PA (2011) Significant efflux of carbon dioxide from streams and rivers in the United States. Nat Geosci 4:839–842. doi:10.1038/ngeo1294

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Butturinin A, Francesc G et al (2006) Cross-site comparison of variability of DOC and nitrate c–q hysteresis during the autumn–winter period in three Mediterranean headwater streams: a synthetic approach. Biogeochemistry 77:327–349

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Catalán N, Obrador B, Alomar C, Pretus JL (2012) Seasonality and landscape factors drive dissolved organic matter properties in Mediterranean ephemeral washes. Biogeochemistry 112:261–274. doi:10.1007/s10533-012-9723-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cole JJ, Prairie YT, Caraco NF et al (2007) Plumbing the global carbon cycle: integrating inland waters into the terrestrial carbon budget. Ecosystems 10:172–185. doi:10.1007/s10021-006-9013-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cory RM, Green SA, Pregitzer KS (2004) Dissolved organic matter concentration and composition in the forests and streams of Olympic National Park, WA. Biogeochemistry 67:269–288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fellman JB, Hood E, D’Amore DV et al (2009a) Seasonal changes in the chemical quality and biodegradability of dissolved organic matter exported from soils to streams in coastal temperate rainforest watersheds. Biogeochemistry 95:277–293. doi:10.1007/s10533-009-9336-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fellman JB, Hood E, Edwards RT, D’Amore DV (2009b) Changes in the concentration, biodegradability, and fluorescent properties of dissolved organic matter during stormflows in coastal temperate watersheds. J Geophys Res 114:1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Findlay S (2010) Stream microbial ecology. J N Am Benthol Soc 29:170–181. doi:10.1899/09-023.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gehrig R (2006) The influence of the hot and dry summer 2003 on the pollen season in Switzerland. Aerobiologia 22:27–34. doi:10.1007/s10453-005-9013-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goodale CL, Thomas SA, Fredriksen G et al (2009) Unusual seasonal patterns and inferred processes of nitrogen retention in forested headwaters of the Upper Susquehanna River. Biogeochemistry 93:197–218. doi:10.1007/s10533-009-9298-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Graham MD, Vinebrooke RD, Turner M (2006) Coupling of boreal forests and lakes: effects of conifer pollen on littoral communities. Limnol Oceanogr 51:1524–1529

    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. doi:10.4319/lo.1994.39.8.1903

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Groffman PM, Rustad LE, Templer PH et al (2012) Long-term integrated studies show complex and surprising effects of climate change in the Northern Hardwood Forest. Bioscience 62:1056–1066. doi:10.1525/bio.2012.62.12.7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guenet B, Danger M, Abbadie L, Lacroix G (2010) Priming effect: bridging the gap between terrestrial and aquatic ecology. Ecology 91:2850–2861

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harms TK, Grimm NB (2008) Hot spots and hot moments of carbon and nitrogen dynamics in a semiarid riparian zone. J Geophys Res 113:1–14. doi:10.1029/2007JG000588

    Google Scholar 

  • Helms JR, Stubbins A, Ritchie JD et al (2008) Absorption spectral slopes and slope ratios as indicators of molecular weight, source, and photobleaching of chromophoric dissolved organic matter. Limnol Oceanogr 53:955–969. doi:10.4319/lo.2008.53.3.0955

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herczeg AL, Broecker WS, Anderson RF, Schiff SL, Schindler DW (1985) A new method for monitoring temporal trends in the acidity of fresh waters. Nature 315:133–135

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hood E, Gooseff MN, Johnson SL (2006) Changes in the character of stream water dissolved organic carbon during flushing in three small watersheds, Oregon. J Geophys Res 111:G01007. doi:10.1029/2005JG000082

    Google Scholar 

  • Huntington TG, Richardson AD, McGuire KJ, Hayhoe K (2009) Climate and hydrological changes in the northeastern United States: recent trends and implications for forested and aquatic ecosystems. Can J For Res 39:199–212. doi:10.1139/X08-116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hutchison BA, Matt DR (1977) The distribution of solar radiation within a deciduous forest. Ecol Monogr 47:185–207

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Inamdar S, Singh S, Dutta S et al (2011) Fluorescence characteristics and sources of dissolved organic matter for stream water during storm events in a forested mid-Atlantic watershed. J Geophys Res 116:1–23. doi:10.1029/2011JG001735

    Google Scholar 

  • Inamdar S, Finger N, Singh S et al (2012) Dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentration and quality in a forested mid-Atlantic watershed, USA. Biogeochemistry 108:55–76. doi:10.1007/s10533-011-9572-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Inamdar S, Dhillon G, Singh S et al (2013) Temporal variation in end-member chemistry and its influence on runoff mixing patterns in a forested, piedmont catchment. Water Resour Res 49:1–17. doi:10.1002/wrcr.20158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jaffé R, McKnight D, Maie N et al (2008) Spatial and temporal variations in DOM composition in ecosystems: the importance of long-term monitoring of optical properties. J Geophys Res 113:1–15. doi:10.1029/2008JG000683

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser K, Kalbitz K (2012) Cycling downwards—dissolved organic matter in soils. Soil Biol Biogeochem 52:29–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser K, Zech W (1998) Soil dissolved organic matter sorption as influenced by organic and sesquioxide coatings and sorbed sulfate. Soil Sci Soc Am J 62:129–136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser K, Guggenberger G, Haumaier L (2004) Changes in dissolved-lignin derived phenols neutral sugards, uronic acids, and amino sugars with depth in forested Haplic arenosols and rendzic leptosols. Biogeochemistry 70:135–151

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalbitz K, Solinger S, Park J-H et al (2000) Controls on the dynamics of dissolved organic matter in soils: a review. Soil Sci 165:277–304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kang PG, Mitchell MJ (2013) Bioavailability and size-fraction of dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur at the Arbutus Lake watershed, Adirondack Mountains, NY. Biogeochemistry 115:1–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan LA, Bott TL (1982) Diel fluctuations of DOC generated by algae in a piedmont stream. Limnol Oceanogr 27:1091–1100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karl TR, Melillo JM, Peterson TC (2009) Global climate change impacts in the United States. Cambridge University Press, New Yok

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee EJ, Booth T (2003) Macronutrient input from pollen in two regenerating pine stands in southeast Korea. Ecol Res 18:423–430. doi:10.1046/j.1440-1703.2003.00566.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McClain ME, Boyer EW, Dent CL et al (2003) Biogeochemical hot spots and hot moments at the interface of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Ecosystems 6:301–312. doi:10.1007/s10021-003-0161-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McDowell WH (1985) Kinetics and mechanisms of dissolved organic carbon retention in a headwater stream. Biogeochemistry 1:329–352

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McDowell WH, Likens GE (1988) Origin, composition and flux of dissolved organic carbon in Hubbard Brook Valley. Ecol Monogr 58:177–195

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKnight DM, Bencala KE (1990) The chemistry of iron, aluminum, and dissolved organic material in three acidic, metal-enriched, mountain streams, as controlled by watershed and in-stream processes. Water Resour Res 26:3087–3100. doi:10.1029/WR026i012p03087

    Google Scholar 

  • McKnight DM, Boyer EW, Westerhoff PK et al (2001) Spectrofluorometric characterization of dissolved organic matter for indication of precursor organic material and aromaticity. Limnol Oceanogr 46:38–48. doi:10.4319/lo.2001.46.1.0038

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer JL, Wallace JB, Eggert SL (1998) Leaf litter as a source of dissolved organic carbon in streams. Ecosystems 1:240–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moran MA, Zepp RG (1997) Role of photoreactions in the formation of biologically labile compounds from dissolved organic matter. Limnol Oceanogr 42:1307–1316

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mulholland PJ (2004) The importance of in-stream uptake for regulating stream concentrations and outputs of N and P from a forested watershed: evidence from long-term chemistry records for Walker Branch Watershed. Biogeochemistry 70:403–426

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muller RN, Bormann FH (1976) Role of Erythronium americanum Ker. in energy flow and nutrient dynamics of a northern hardwood forest ecosystem. Science 193:1126–1128. doi:10.1126/science.193 4258.1126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council (NRC) (2010) Advancing the science of climate change: America’s climate choices. National Academies Press, Atlanta, p 528

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Donnell JA, Aiken GR, Kane ES, Jones JB (2010) Source water controls on the character and origin of dissolved organic matter in streams of the Yukon River Basin, Alaska. J Geophys Res 115:1–12. doi:10.1029/2009JG001153

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohno T (2002) Fluorescence inner-filtering correction for determining the humification index of dissolved organic matter. Environ Sci Technol 36:742–746. doi:10.1021/es0155276

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pellerin BA, Saraceno JF, Shanley JB et al (2011) Taking the pulse of snowmelt: in situ sensors reveal seasonal, event and diurnal patterns of nitrate and dissolved organic matter variability in an upland forest stream. Biogeochemistry 108:183–198. doi:10.1007/s10533-011-9589-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Romaní AM, Vázquez E, Butturini A (2006) Microbial availability and size fractionation of dissolved organic carbon after drought in an intermittent stream: biogeochemical link across the stream–riparian interface. Microb Ecol 52:501–512. doi:10.1007/s00248-006-9112-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sebestyen SD, Boyer EW, Shanley JB et al (2008) Sources, transformations, and hydrological processes that control stream nitrate and dissolved organic matter concentrations during snowmelt in an upland forest. Water Resour Res 44:1–14. doi:10.1029/2008WR006983

    Google Scholar 

  • Sebestyen SD, Shanley JB, Boyer EW, Kendall C, Doctor DH (2013) Coupled hydrological and biogeochemical processes controlling variability of nitrogen species in streamflow during autumn in an upland forest. Water Resour Res (In Review)

  • Singh S, Inamdar S, Scott D (2013) Comparison of two PARAFAC models of dissolved organic matter fluorescence for a mid-Atlantic forested watershed in the USA. J Ecosyst. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jes/aip/532424/

  • Stedmon CA, Bro R (2008) Characterizing dissolved organic matter fluorescence with parallel factor analysis: a tutorial. Limnol Oceanogr Methods 6:572–579

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor G, Tallis MJ, Giardina CP et al (2008) Future atmospheric CO2 leads to delayed autumnal senescence. Glob Change Biol 14:264–275. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2486.2007.01473.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ussiri DAN, Johnson CE (2003) Characterization of organic matter in a northern hardwood forest soil by 13C NMR spectroscopy and chemical methods. Geoderma 111:123–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vazquez E, Amalfitano S, Fazi S, Butturini A (2010) Dissolved organic matter composition in a fragmented Mediterranean fluvial system under severe drought conditions. Biogeochemistry 102:59–72. doi:10.1007/s10533-010-9421-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vidon P, Allan C, Burns D et al (2010) Hot spots and hot moments in riparian zones: potential for improved water quality management. J Am Water Resour Assoc 46:1–21. doi:10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00420.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Webster EA, Tilston EL, Chudek JA, Hopkins DW (2008) Decomposition in soil and chemical characteristics of pollen. Eur J Soil Sci 59:551–558. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2389.2008.01022.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson HF, Saiers JE, Raymond PA, Sobczak WV (2013) Hydrologic drivers and seasonality of dissolved organic carbon concentration, nitrogen content, bioavailability, and export in a forested New England stream. Ecosystems. doi:10.1007/s10021-013-9635-6

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong JCY, Williams DD (2010) Sources and seasonal patterns of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the hyporheic zone. Hydrobiologia 647:99–111. doi:10.1007/s10750-009-9950-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zsolnay A, Steindl H (1991) Geovariability and biodegradability of the water-extractable organic material in an agricultural soil. Soil Biol Biochem 23:1077–1082

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF, Hydrologic Sciences Program, EAR-0809205). We would like to thank the Fair Hill NRMA staff for providing access and security for the study site. We are grateful to the many graduate students who assisted with sampling and watershed instrumentation including Gurbir Dhillon, Sudarshan Dutta, and Rachael Vaicunas. Finally, we thank the editors and reviewers for their very constructive and helpful comments.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA

    Shatrughan Singh

  2. Plant and Soil Sciences Department, University of Delaware, 531 S. College Avenue, 152 Townsend Hall, Newark, DE, 19716, USA

    Shreeram Inamdar

  3. Environment and Forest Biology, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY, USA

    Myron Mitchell & Patrick McHale

Authors
  1. Shatrughan Singh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Shreeram Inamdar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Myron Mitchell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Patrick McHale
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shreeram Inamdar.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: E. Matzner

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Singh, S., Inamdar, S., Mitchell, M. et al. Seasonal pattern of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in watershed sources: influence of hydrologic flow paths and autumn leaf fall. Biogeochemistry 118, 321–337 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-013-9934-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-013-9934-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation