Abstract
In this study, the spatial distribution of lignin-derived phenols, bulk elemental composition and different phosphorus (P) species in surface sediments along six rivers discharging into Zhejiang coast, Southeast China, were investigated to improve the understanding of the carbon and P dynamics in these small river systems. The Shuang, Jiao, Ximen, Feiyun and Ao Rivers have total organic carbon (TOC) ranging from 0.29% to 2.77% and Λ (total lignin in mg/100 mg TOC) ranging from 0.24 to 4.24; Qiantang River has the lowest Λ (0.08–0.19) but the highest TOC (1.05%–6.46%). Jiao, Ximen, Feiyun and Ao Rivers have mean the total P (TP) and bioavailable P (BAP) of 34 to 124 mg/kg and 29 to 89 mg P/kg, and mean OC/OP molar ratio of 397–917. Qiantang River has the lowest mean TP and BAP of 13 mg P/kg and 7 mg P/kg, and highest OC/OP of 18,753; whereas Shuang River has the highest mean TP and BAP of 645 mg P/kg and 559 mg P/kg, and lowest mean OC/OP of 90. The lowest Λ, TP and BAP, but highest OC/OP, in the Qiantang River could be due to tidal bore causing rapid cycling of carbon and P. Trends of slight decrease in abundance of OC, Λ, TP and BAP, but increasing ratios of vanillic acid to vanillin [(Ad/Al)v], syringic acid to syringaldehyde [(Ad/Al)s] and OC/OP farther downstream of the rivers indicate a continuous decomposition of organic matter during transport along the rivers.
Highlights
Rivers are home to various organisms, animals and plant species, providing livelihood to human and serving as a regulator of carbon and nutrient [1,2]
The lowest Λ, total P (TP) and bioavailable P (BAP), but highest organic carbon (OC)/OP, in the Qiantang River could be due to tidal bore causing rapid cycling of carbon and P
P speciessedimentary was carriedPout basedwas on carried the ‘Standards, Determination of different species out based on the ‘Standards, surements and Testing (SMT)’ method by Ruban et al
Summary
Rivers are home to various organisms, animals and plant species, providing livelihood to human and serving as a regulator of carbon and nutrient [1,2]. Various studies on bulk elemental composition, stable carbon isotope and biomarkers in sediments and particulate organic matter (POM) have improved the understanding on the biogeochemistry of sedimentary organic matter in lakes [11,12], coastal zones and oceans [13,14,15], as well as river systems [9,10]. NaOH-P fraction, indicating the importance of the iron-bound P contributing to the P in the water This bioavailable Fe-P pool was released from sediments during hypoxia and caused an increase in primary production in coastal zone [25]. Understanding the sources, distribution and chemical stability of sedimentary organic matter and P will improve our knowledge on the carbon and P dynamics in these small river systems
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