Abstract
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is critically important for catchment biogeochemical cycling, yet the DOM dynamics of many river systems remain poorly characterized. Recently, DOM mobilization and transport in forested and agricultural catchments have received increased attention; however, for urban catchments, our understanding of spatio‐temporal variability in DOM concentration and composition is very limited. This is a particular concern as urbanization can increase and alter labile DOM fluxes leading to a shift from downstream transport of stream carbon to increased microbial production and respiration of stream carbon in headwaters. Furthermore, the anthropogenic modification of the water cycle and the flashy hydrology of urban rivers have constrained attempts to characterize intra‐ and inter‐seasonal variability in DOM across the spectrum from low to storm flows. In this focus article, we synthesize the contemporary literature on urban DOM sources, flow paths, and spatio‐temporal variability and present a conceptual model to unravel system dynamics and inform future monitoring efforts. The potential of field deployable fluorescence sensor technology to overcome monitoring challenges in urban rivers is highlighted. We use a case study of a relatively well‐studied UK urban river to illustrate the potential of in situ fluorescence to reveal DOM dynamics in a system with marked inter‐event variability in DOM sources and pathways. Finally, we outline future directions for this research, particular the need to standardize field and laboratory protocols and advance new sensor development. WIREs Water 2018, 5:e1259. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1259This article is categorized under: Science of Water > Methods Science of Water > Water Quality
Highlights
Urbanization is increasing at a rapid rate with urban areas forecast to triple between 2000 and 2030.1 This change in landcover is having a profound effect on freshwater ecosystems, modifying
Further information can be derived from Fluorescent DOM (FDOM) indices,[21] such as the Fluorescence Index (FI), which is indicative of Dissolved organic matter (DOM) source, and the Humification Index (HIX), which is indicative of more humic, complex, DOM
Developed submersible fluorescence sensors offer huge opportunities to significantly improve our understanding of urban biogeochemistry by quantifying seasonal and event dynamics, in the context of continually varying DOM sources, pathways, and processing in urban catchments. We explore these interrelationships in more detail by: 1. synthesizing recent research on urban biogeochemistry and deriving a conceptual model describing urban DOM sources, pathways, and processing; 2. providing a detailed overview of field deployable fluorescence sensor technology and outlining methods to overcome challenges to water quality monitoring in urban rivers and streams; WIREs Water
Summary
Understanding dissolved organic matter dynamics in urban catchments: insights from in-situ fluorescence sensor technology. Document Version Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Citation for published version (Harvard): Khamis, K, Bradley, C & Hannah, D 2018, 'Understanding dissolved organic matter dynamics in urban catchments: insights from in-situ fluorescence sensor technology.', Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, vol 5, no. 1, e1259. https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1259
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