Distinct optical chemistry of dissolved organic matter in urban pond ecosystems

0398453 - BC 2014 RIV US eng J - Journal Article
McEnroe, N. A. - Williams, C. J. - Xenopoulos, M. A. - Porcal, Petr - Frost, P. C.
Distinct optical chemistry of dissolved organic matter in urban pond ecosystems.
PLoS ONE. Roč. 8, č. 11 (2013), e80334. ISSN 1932-6203. E-ISSN 1932-6203
Institutional support: RVO:60077344
Keywords : dissolved organic matter * photodegradation * fluorescence * PARAFAC
Subject RIV: DA - Hydrology ; Limnology
Impact factor: 3.534, year: 2013

Urbanization has the potential to dramatically alter the biogeochemistry of receiving freshwater ecosystems. We examined the optical chemistry of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in forty-five urban ponds across southern Ontario, Canada to examine whether optical characteristics in these relatively new ecosystems are distinct from other freshwater systems. Our findings suggest that high internal production and/or prolonged exposure to sunlight exerts a distinct and significant influence on the chemistry of urban pond DOM, which likely reduces its chemical similarity with upstream sources. These properties of urban pond DOM may alter its biogeochemical role in these relatively novel aquatic ecosystems.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0225937