Dissolved Organic Carbon Dynamics in a Small Stream

ABSTRACT

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were monitored seasonally and during rainstorms in a small stream (watershed area approximately 60 ha) in central Pennsylvania. Total DOC and DOC <10,000 MW were monitored. Considerable variation in total DOC was evident during the study period; the variation was due primarily to the <10,000 MU fraction. A weak positive relationship was found between total DOC and flow rate over the course of the study, although no correlation was seen between rate of discharge and DOC >10,000 MW. During rainstorms higher concentrations of DOC were found as flow rates increased. The increased concentrations observed during rain events were due primarily to the <10,000 MW fraction, the concentrations of which were again more variable than those of the >10,000 MW fraction.