Dissolved and particulate organic carbon concentrations in stream water and relationships with land use in multiple-use watersheds of the Han River (Korea)

Abstract

This study examines temporal variation in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations in streams in the Han River watershed, Korea. On days without significant antecedent rain, DOC and POC concentrations ranged from 0.87 to 3.23 mg C/L and 0.24 to 2.92 mg C/L, respectively. Following rain events, both DOC and POC concentrations were higher. Soil and compost had δ13C values similar to stream δ13C-DOC and δ13C-POC. These results demonstrate the importance of studies using tracer approaches and the value of research on sources of organic carbon transported in streams in multiple use monsoonal watersheds.