Distribution of Organic Matter in Sediment of Lakeside Belt in East Dongting Lake

Abstract

Distribution of organic matter and effect of wetland types and pH on organic matter were studied in sediment of lakeside belt in east Dongting Lake according to taking 56 samples from surface to 20cm and 52 samples from 20cm to 40cm. The results showed that the average content of organic matter was 15.40g/kg from surface to 20cm and 12.02g/kg from 20cm to 40cm in sediment of lakeside belt in east Dongting Lake. Spatial distribution of organic matter could be expressed as middle variation. Wetland types were classed into silt beach, lake marsh beach and reed beach in Dongting Lake region and influenced distribution of organic matter because of difference variance on hydraulic dynamics condition and retarding effect of vegetation on water flow velocity. Order of organic matter content in sediment was the lake marsh beach > reed beach > silt beach in 0-20cm and 20-40cm layers in lakeside belt in east Dongting Lake. Organic matter contents decreased in turn from 0-20cm to 20-40cm in lake marsh and reed beaches and increased in silt beaches. Values of pH in sediment were slightly alkaline in whole studied region. Negative correlation was established between organic matter content and pH value. The results will provide base data and science reference for controlling and recovery of sediment pollution in east Dongting Lake.