Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Photodegradation of DOC in a shallow prairie wetland: evidence from seasonal changes in DOC optical properties and chemical characteristics

  • Published:
Biogeochemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

An Erratum to this article was published on 01 September 2005

Abstract

Wetlands across the Canadian prairies are typically shallow (<1.0 m) and exhibit high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations (>10 mg l−1). Studies have shown that DOC in such shallow wetlands is not as reliable an indicator of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) attenuation as it is in clearwater. Changes in DOC character and composition as a result of sunlight exposure might provide a reasonable explanation for this observation. To test this, we investigated seasonal changes in DOC optical and chemical properties in a shallow prairie wetland over a 2-year period. Although DOC concentration increased at least two-fold from spring until fall, DOC specific absorption (at 350 nm) and fluorescence decreased by 30 and 32%, respectively, for the same period. In both years, seasonal decreases in DOC molecular weight and size (from measurements of tangential filtration and mass electrospray mass spectrometry) were reflected in concomitant increases in spectral slope. 13C NMR analysis of DOC isolated on XAD-8 resins revealed a 49% decrease in aromatic moieties when spring values were compared to those in the fall. As well, δ13C signatures of this isolated DOC became heavier seasonally. In a short term photodegradation experiment (6 days) we noted a 47% decline in DOC specific absorption coefficients at 350 nm and a 15% increase in spectral slope when water exposed to the total light spectrum was compared to that of a dark control. Taken together, all of these observations were consistent with the occurrence of seasonal DOC photodegradation in shallow prairie wetlands and underlined the importance of this process in shaping DOC character and composition in these hydrologically dynamic systems. Our data also indicates that constant mixing and shallow depths in these wetlands were factors which enhanced DOC photodegradation. Although the high DOC concentrations of prairie wetlands should theoretically offer protection for their biota, seasonal photodegradation of DOC means that these systems may not be as protected as their high DOC concentrations suggest.

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

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anesio A.M., Denward C.M.T., Tranvik L.J. and Graneli W. 1999. Decreased bacterial growth on vascular plant detritus due to photochemical modification. Aquat. Microb. Ecol. 17: 159–165.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arts M.A., Robarts R.D., Kasai F., Waiser M.J., Tumber V., Plante A.L., Rai H. and de Lange H.J. 2000. The attenuation of ultraviolet radiation in high dissolved organic carbon waters of wetlands and lakes on the northern Great Plains. Limnol. Oceanogr. 45: 292–299.

    Google Scholar 

  • Batt B.D., Anderson M.G., Anderson C.D. and Caswell F.D. 1989. The use of prairie potholes by North American ducks. In: van der Walk A.G. (Ed) Northern Prairie Wetlands. Iowa State University Press, Ames, pp. 204–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benner R., Fogel M.L., Sprague E.K. and Hodson R.E. 1987. Depletion of 13C in lignin and its implications for stable carbon isotope studies. Nature 329: 708–710.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertilsson S. and Tranvik L.J. 2000. Photochemical transformation of dissolved organic matter in lakes. Limnol. Oceanogr. 45: 753–762.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y., Khan U. and Schnitzer M. 1978. Ultraviolet radiation of dilute fulvic acid solutions. Soil Sci. Amer. J. 42: 292–296.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chin Y.-P., Traina S.J., Swank C.R. and Backhus D. 1998. Abundance and properties of dissolved organic matter in pore waters of a freshwater wetland. Limnol. Oceanogr. 43: 1287–1296.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clair T.A. and Sayer B.G. 1997. Environmental variability in the reactivity of freshwater dissolved organic carbon to UV-B. Biogeochemistry 36: 89–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curtis P.J. 1998. Climatic and hydrologic control of DOM concentration and quality in lakes. In: Hessen D.O. and Tranvik L.J. (eds) Aquatic Humic Substances: Ecology and Biogeochemistry. Springer, Berlin, pp. 93–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curtis P.J. and Adams H.E. 1995. Dissolved organic matter quantity and quality from freshwater and saltwater lakes in Alberta. Biogeochemistry 30: 59–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curtis P.J. and Schindler D.W. 1997. Hydrologic control of dissolved organic matter in low-order Precambrian Shield lakes. Biogeochemistry 36: 125–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Donahue W.F., Schindler D.W., Page S.J. and Stainton M.P. 1998. Acid-induced changes in DOC quality in an experimental whole-lake manipulation. Environ. Sci. Technol. 32: 2954–2960.

    Google Scholar 

  • Environment Canada 1992. Analytical Methods Manual, Inland Waters Directorate, Water Quality Branch, Environment Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gao H. and Zepp R.G. 1998. Factors influencing photoreactions of dissolved organic matter in a coastal river of the south-eastern United States. Environ. Sci. Technol. 32: 2940–2946.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayashi M. 1996. Surface–subsurface transport cycle of chloride induced by wetland-focused groundwater recharge. Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Waterloo, Ontario.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinton M.J., Schi S.L. and English.C. 1997. The significance of storms for the concentration and export of dissolved organic carbon from two Precambrian Shield catchments. Biogeochem. 37: 67–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kieber D., Zhou X. and Mopper K. 1990. Formation of carbonyl compounds from UV-induced photodegradation of humic substances in natural waters: fate of riverine carbon in the sea. Limnol. Oceanogr. 35: 1503–1515.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kouassi A.M., Zika R.G. and Plane J.M.C. 1990. Light-induced alteration of the photophysical properties of dissolved organic matter in seawater. Neth. J. Sea Res. 27: 33–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laurion I., Ventura M., Catalan J., Psenner R. and Sommaruga R. 2000. Attenuation of ultraviolet radiation in mountain lakes: factors controlling the among-and within-lake variability. Limnol. Oceanogr. 45: 1274–1288.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lean D.L. 1998. Attenuation of solar radiation in humic waters. In: Hessen D.O. and Tranvik L.J. (eds) Aquatic Humic Substances: Ecology and Biogeochemistry. Springer, Berlin, pp. 109–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li J.W., Yu Z., Gao M., Zhang L., Cai X. and Chao F. 1996. Eect of ultraviolet radiation on the characteristics and trihalomethane formation potential of humic acid. Water Res. 30: 347–350.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindell M., Granéli W. and Tranvik L.J. 1995. Enhanced bacterial growth in response to photochemical transformation of dissolved organic matter. Limnol. Oceanogr. 40: 195–199.

    Google Scholar 

  • Markager S. and Vincent W.F. 2000. Spectral light attenuation and the absorption of UV and blue light in natural waters. Limnol. Oceanogr. 45: 642–650.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maurice P.A., Cabaniss S.E., Drummond J. and Ito E. 2002. Hydrogeochemical controls on the variations in chemical characteristics of natural organic matter at a small freshwater wetland. Chem. Geol. 187: 59–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGaw B.A., Milne E. and Duncan G.J. 1988. A rapid method for the preparation of combustion samples for stable carbon isotope analysis by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Biomed. Environ. Mass Spectrometry 16: 269–273.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKnight D.M., Aiken D.R. and Smith R.L. 1991. Aquatic fulvic acids in microbially based ecosystems: Results from two desert lakes in Antarctica. Limnol. Oceanogr. 36: 998–1006.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKnight D.M., Andrews E.D., Spaulding S.A. and Aiken G.R. 1994. Aquatic fulvic acids in Antarctic algal-rich ponds. Limnol. Oceanogr. 39: 1972–1979.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKnight D.M., Harnish R.A., Wershaw R.L., Baron J.S. and Schi S.L. 1997. Chemical characteristics of particulate, colloidal and dissolved organic matter in Loch Vale Watershed, Rocky Mountain National Park. Biogeochemistry 36: 99–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKnight D.M., Boyer E.W., Westerho P.K., Doran P.T., Kulbe T. and Andersen D.T. 2001. Spectrofluorometric characterization of dissolved organic matter for indication of precursor organic material and aromaticity. Limnol. Oceanogr. 46: 38–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller W.L. 1998. Eects of UV radiation on aquatic humus: Photochemical principles and experimental considerations. In: Hessen D.O. and Tranvik L.J. (eds) Aquatic Humic Substances: Ecology and Biogeochemistry. Springer, Berlin, pp. 125–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller W.L. and Zepp R.G. 1995. Photochemical production of dissolved organic carbon from terrestrial organic matter: significance to the oceanic organic carbon cycle. Geophys. Res. Lett. 22: 417–420.

    Google Scholar 

  • Molot L.A. and Dillon P.J. 1997. Colour-mass balances and colour-dissolved organic carbon relationships in lakes and streams in central Ontario Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 54: 2789–2795.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moran M.A., Sheldon W.M. and Zepp R.G. 2000. Carbon loss and optical property changes during long-term photochemical and biological degradation of estuarine dissolved organic matter. Limnol. Oceanogr. 45: 1254–1264.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morris D.P. and Hargreaves B.R. 1997. The role of photodegradation of dissolved organic carbon in regulating transparency of three lakes on the Pocono Plateau. Limnol. Oceanogr. 42: 239–249.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osburn C.L., Morris D.P., Thorn K.A. and Moeller R.E. 2001. Chemical and optical changes in freshwater dissolved organic matter exposed to solar radiation. Biogeochemistry 54: 251–278.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peterson G.S., Johnson L.B., Axler R.P. and Diamond S.A. 2002. Assessment of the risk of solar ultraviolet radiation to amphibians. II. In situ characterization of exposure in amphibian habitats. Environ. Sci. Technol. 36: 2859–2865.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schi S.L., Aravena R., Trumbore S.E. and Dillon P.J. 1990. Dissolved organic carbon cycling in forested watersheds: a carbon isotope approach. Water. Resour. Res. 26: 2949–2957.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schindler D.W. and Curtis P.J. 1997. The role of DOC in protecting freshwaters subjected to climatic warming and acidification from UV exposure. Biogeochemistry 36: 1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scully N.M., Lean D.R.S., McQueen D.J. and Cooper W.J. 1995. Photochemical formation of hydrogen peroxide in lakes: eects of dissolved organic carbon and ultraviolet radiation. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 52: 2675–2682.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg C. and Muenster U. 1985. Geochemistry and ecological role of humic substances in lake water. In: Aiken G.R., McKnight D.M., Wershaw R.L. and MacCarthy P. (eds) Humic Substances: Soil, Sediment and Water-Geochemistry, Isolation and Characterization. Wiley, New York, pp. 105–145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Su M., Stolte W.J. and van der Kamp G. 2000. Modeling Canadian prairie wetland hydrology using a semi-distributed streamflow model. Hydrol. Process. 14: 2405–2422.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thurman E.M. and Malcolm R.L. 1981. Preparative isolation of aquatic humic substances. Environ. Sci. Technol. 15: 463–466.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vähätalo A., Søndergaard M., Schlüter L. and Markager S. 1998. Impact of solar radiation on the decomposition of detrital leaves of eelgrass Zostera marina. Mar. Ecol. Progr. Ser. 170: 107–117.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vähätalo A., Salonen K., Saski E. and Salkinoja-Salonen M.S. 2002. Bleaching of color of kraft pulp mill euents and natural organic matter in lakes. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 59: 808–818.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vodacek A., Blough N.V., de Grandpre M.D. and Nelson R.K. 1997. Seasonal variation of CDOM and DOC in the Middle Atlantic Bight: Terrestrial inputs and photooxidation. Limnol. Oceanogr. 42: 674–686.

    Google Scholar 

  • Voyksner R.D. 1994. Atmospheric pressure ionization LC/MS: new solutions for environmental analysis. Environ. Sci. Technol. 28: 118A–127A.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waiser M.J. 2001. The eect of solar radiation on the microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of prairie wetlands. Unpublished PhD Thesis, Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waiser M.J. and Robarts R.D. 2000. Changes in composition and reactivity of allochthonous DOM in a prairie saline lake Limnol. Oceanogr. 40: 566–574.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wetzel R.G., Hatcher P.G. and Bianchi T.S. 1995. Natural photolysis by ultraviolet radiation of recalcitrant dissolved organic matter to simple substrates for rapid bacterial metabolism. Limnol. Oceanogr. 40: 1369–1380.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitehead R.F., de Mora D., Demers S., Gosselin M., Montfort P. and Mostajir B. 2000. Interactions of UV-B radiation, mixing and biological activity on photobleaching of natural CDOM: a mesocosm study. Limnol. Oceanogr. 45: 278–291

    Google Scholar 

  • Woo M.-K. and Rowsell R.D. 1993. Hydrology of a prairie slough. J. Hydrol. 146: 175–200.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Water Research Institute, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK, Canada

    Marley J. Waiser & Richard D. Robarts

Authors
  1. Marley J. Waiser
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Richard D. Robarts
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marley J. Waiser.

Additional information

An erratum to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10533-005-3572-1.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Waiser, M.J., Robarts, R.D. Photodegradation of DOC in a shallow prairie wetland: evidence from seasonal changes in DOC optical properties and chemical characteristics. Biogeochemistry 69, 263–284 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:BIOG.0000031048.20050.4e

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:BIOG.0000031048.20050.4e

Search

Navigation