Amount of Organic Carbon in Natural Waters

Abstract

Because dissolved organic carbon is the basic starting point for the study of organic geochemistry, the amount of dissolved organic carbon in natural waters is the major topic of this chapter. The natural waters discussed include: ground water, interstitial waters of soil and sediment, snow and glacial waters, rainfall, seawater, estuaries, streams and rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The chapter contains a discussion of terminology, a comprehensive review of the literature, and instructive diagrams that give basic information on dissolved organic carbon. This chapter will be especially useful to those needing information on the amount and distribution of organic carbon in natural waters.