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Characterisation of riverine dissolved organic matter using a complementary suite of chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods

Characterisation of riverine dissolved organic matter using a complementary suite of chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods Thumbnail


Abstract

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a fundamental role in nutrient cycling dynamics in riverine systems. Recent research has confirmed that the concentration of riverine DOM is not the only factor regulating its functional significance; the need to define the chemical composition of DOM is a priority. Past studies of riverine DOM rested on bulk quantification, however technological advancements have meant there has been a shift towards analytical methods which allow the characterisation of DOM either at compound class or more recently molecular level. However, it is important to consider that all analytical methods only consider a defined analytical window. Thus, herein, we explore the use of a hierarchy of methods which can be used in combination for the investigation of a wide range of DOM chemistries. By using these methods to investigate the DOM composition of a range of streams draining catchments of contrasting environmental character, a wide range of compounds were identified across a range of polarities and molecular weight, thereby extending the analytical window. Through the elucidation of the DOM character in stream samples, information can be collected about likely the sources of DOM. The identification of individual key compounds within the DOM pool is a key step in the design of robust and informative bioassay experiments, used to understand in-stream ecosystem responses. This is critical if we are to assess the role of DOM as a bioavailable nutrient resource and/or ecotoxicological factor in freshwater.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 24, 2022
Online Publication Date Mar 13, 2022
Publication Date May 1, 2023
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Biogeochemistry
Print ISSN 0168-2563
Publisher Springer Verlag
Volume 164
Issue 1
Pages 29-52
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-022-00913-z
Keywords Catchment scale, Chromatography, Dissolved organic matter, Mass spectrometry, Molecular characterisation, Rivers
Publisher URL https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10533-022-00913-z

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