Spatiotemporal Variation of DOM Concentration and Composition along the Subtropical Small River Continuum in Taiwan

Abstract

The fate and reactivity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in river networks is critical to understanding carbon cycling in inland water systems, and is highly regulated by physio-geographic factors and water residence time (WRT). In this study, we investigate the spatiotemporal variation of DOM concentration and composition in two SMRs in Taiwan with different landscapes and anthropogenic impacts. The WRT for these two rivers, the Keelung and Lanyang River, are around 34 and 23 hours, respectively. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration measurements and optical analyses (absorbance and fluorescence) were used to examine DOM quantity and quality along the river continuum. The comparative results showed that, along the SMR continuum, the DOC concentrations and optical indexes exhibited slight changes, with significant increases observed only at downstream sites influenced by human activities. Meanwhile, the higher biological index (BIX) and lower humification index (HIX) indicated an increase in autochthonous sources and a decrease in the degree of humic characters. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between WRT and DOC concentration variability, yet not significant for DOM compositions. When comparing the two rivers, the one with steeper topography and less human influence shows lower levels of DOC concentration and degree of humification. Overall, the SMRs seem to have lower DOC concentrations (0.26 - 1.65 mg-C L-1), lower HIX (0.28 - 0.76), and slightly higher BIX (0.8 - 1.9) on a global scale, which might be attributed to Taiwan's steep landscape and shorter water residence time, limiting soil organic carbon (SOC) production and in-stream processes rates. Through our investigation, DOC concentration and DOM composition across river networks will be better understood and potentially improve the assessment of the global carbon cycle.