Chromophoric dissolved organic matter in inland waters: Present knowledge and future challenges

Yunlin Zhang*, Lei Zhou, Yongqiang Zhou*, Liuqing Zhang, Xiaolong Yao*, Kun Shi, Erik Jeppesen*, Qian Yu*, Weining Zhu*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperReviewResearchpeer-review

108 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycle and energy flow of aquatic ecosystems. Thus, systematic and comprehensive understanding of CDOM dynamics is critically important for aquatic ecosystem management. CDOM spans multiple study fields, including analytical chemistry, biogeochemistry, water color remote sensing, and global environmental change. Here, we thoroughly summarize the progresses of recent studies focusing on the characterization, distribution, sources, composition, and fate of CDOM in inland waters. Characterization methods, remote sensing estimation, and biogeochemistry cycle processes were the hotspots of CDOM studies. Specifically, optical, isotope, and mass spectrometric techniques have been widely used to characterize CDOM abundance, composition, and sources. Remote sensing is an effective tool to map CDOM distribution with high temporal and spatial resolutions. CDOM dynamics are mainly determined by watershed-related processes, including rainfall discharge, groundwater, wastewater discharges/effluents, and biogeochemical cycling occurring in soil and water bodies. We highlight the underlying mechanisms of the photochemical degradation and microbial decomposition of CDOM, and emphasize that photochemical and microbial processes of CDOM in inland waters accelerate nutrient cycling and regeneration in the water column and also exacerbate global warming by releasing greenhouse gases. Future study directions to improve the understanding of CDOM dynamics in inland waters are proposed. This review provides an interdisciplinary view and new insights on CDOM dynamics in inland waters.

Original languageEnglish
Article number143550
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume759
ISSN0048-9697
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021

Keywords

  • Absorption coefficient
  • Chromophoric dissolved organic matter
  • Inland waters
  • Microbial decomposition
  • Remote sensing

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