Metabolism of a sub‐tropical low gradient black water river

Abstract

SUMMARY. 1. Single‐station diel oxygen curves were used to monitor the oxygen metabolism of the Ogeechee River, a sixth‐order blackwater river in the Coastal Plain of southeastern U.S.A., over a period of 4 years. Ecosystem production (P) and respiration (R) were estimated, and P/R ratios calculated to determine the extent of autotrophy characteristic of this type of river. The potential error in oxygen metabolism caused by photo‐oxidation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the water was measured and found to be minor.2. Rates of ecosystem primary production measured were intermediate compared to other rivers, ranging from 0.49 to 13.99g O2m−2 day −1.Primary production rates were highest during the summer when water levels were low. Regression analysis indicated that water depth and light absorption by DOM were significant predictors of primary production in this river. Incident light intensities were not significantly correlated with production rate.3. Respiration rates were unusually high, varying between 3.70 and 11.5 g O2 m−2 day − 1. System respiration also varied seasonally, but less than primary production. Rates were slightly higher in spring and summer.4. With one exception, P/R ratios were considerably lower than l throughout the study period, indicating that the Ogeechee River was highly heterotrophic. PIR ratios ranged from 0.09 to 1.3, and averaged 0.25.5. A carbon budget calculated for this river showed floodplain inputs were 7 times autochthonous production. Organic carbon turnover length was 690 km, considerably longer than has been reported for lower‐order rivers.