Composition of dissolved organic matter within a lacustrine environment

Abstract

Environmental contextFreshwater dissolved organic matter is a complex chemical mixture central to many environmental processes, including carbon and nitrogen cycling. Questions remain, however, as to its chemical characteristics, sources and transformation mechanisms. We studied the nature of dissolved organic matter in a lake system and found that it is influenced by anthropogenic activities. Human activities can therefore influence the huge amounts of carbon sequestered in lakes as dissolved organic matter. AbstractFreshwater dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a complex mixture of chemical components that are central to many environmental processes, including carbon and nitrogen cycling. However, questions remain as to its chemical characteristics, sources and transformation mechanisms. Here, we employ 1- and 2-D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to investigate the structural components of lacustrine DOM from Ireland, and how it varies within a lake system, as well as to assess potential sources. Major components found, such as carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM) are consistent with those recently identified in marine and freshwater DOM. Lignin-type markers and protein/peptides were identified and vary spatially. Phenylalanine was detected in lake areas influenced by agriculture, whereas it is not detectable where zebra mussels are prominent. The presence of peptidoglycan, lipoproteins, large polymeric carbohydrates and proteinaceous material supports the substantial contribution of material derived from microorganisms. Evidence is provided that peptidoglycan and silicate species may in part originate from soil microbes.