Register      Login
Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Rapid utilisation of storm water-derived dissolved organic carbon and its fractions in an urban lake

Todd A. Wallace A , George G. Ganf A B and Justin D. Brookes A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: george.ganf@adelaide.edu.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 65(4) 370-377 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF12287
Submitted: 9 October 2012  Accepted: 22 August 2013   Published: 28 October 2013

Abstract

Hypoxia occurred in the Torrens Lake, South Australia, after a 16-mm rainfall which discharged high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) into the Lake. This work explores the hypothesis that hypoxia was correlated with the bioavailability of DOC. Carbonaceous biological oxygen demand and a decrease in DOC from samples collected immediately after stormwater was discharged into the Lake confirmed the presence of an active aerobic microbial community. In addition, the inlet and outlet of the Lake were monitored over a 10-day period. Dissolved oxygen fell from 10 to <3 mg L–1 within 44 h as the DOC increased and then decreased. A similar pattern occurred at the outlet after a lag of 20 h. At the inlet, because minimal mixing with the Lake water occurred, the rapid decrease of DOC and its fractions was interpreted as a function of aerobic microbial activity. Aquatic humic substances (AHS) were metabolised fastest, followed by hydrophilic acids (HiA) and hydrophilic neutrals (HiN). The warm nature of Mediterranean water bodies during summer may make them more susceptible to hypoxia as the frequency of extreme droughts allow accumulation of leaf litter and other debris that is subsequently mobilised by episodic floods.


References

Aldridge, K. T., Brookes, J. D., and Ganf, G. G. (2009). Rehabilitation of stream ecosystem functions through the reintroduction of coarse particulate organic matter. Restoration Ecology 17, 97–106.
Rehabilitation of stream ecosystem functions through the reintroduction of coarse particulate organic matter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Anderson, A. J., Gorley, R. N., and Clarke, K. R. (2008). ‘PERMANOVA+ for PRIMER: Guide to Software and Statistical Methods.’ (PRIMER-E: Plymouth, UK.)

Balcarczyk, K.L., Jones, J.B., Jaffe, R., and Maie, N. (2009). Stream dissolved organic matter bioavailability and composition in watersheds underlain with discontinuous permafrost. Biogeochemistry 94, 255–270.
Stream dissolved organic matter bioavailability and composition in watersheds underlain with discontinuous permafrost.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXmvFCrs74%3D&md5=b5eb976930ccb9665e2d47129d4097dfCAS |

Baldwin, D. S. (1999). DOM and dissolved P leached from fresh and ‘terrestrially’-aged river red gum leaves – implications for assessing river–floodplain interactions. Freshwater Biology 41, 675–685.
DOM and dissolved P leached from fresh and ‘terrestrially’-aged river red gum leaves – implications for assessing river–floodplain interactions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXlslKjtLg%3D&md5=f100b9c2abd1642feadbfee80c19aaafCAS |

Brookes, J. D. (Ed.) (2012). River Torrens water quality improvement trial – summer 2011/12, Goyder Institute for Water Research Technical Report Series No. 12/4. http://www.goyderinstitute.org

Brookes, J. D., Antenucci, J., Hipsey, M., Burch, M. D., Ashbolt, N. J., and Fergusona, C. (2004). Fate and transport of pathogens in lakes and reservoirs. Environment International 30, 741–759.
Fate and transport of pathogens in lakes and reservoirs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15051248PubMed |

Cleveland, C. C., Neff, J. C., Townsend, A. R., and Hood, E. (2004). Composition, dynamics, and fate of leached dissolved organic matter in terrestrial ecosystems: results from a decomposition experiment. Ecosystems 7, 275–285.
Composition, dynamics, and fate of leached dissolved organic matter in terrestrial ecosystems: results from a decomposition experiment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXkvF2ktr4%3D&md5=3bbb5bf0a64ed5540ae0eb702d8a76bfCAS |

Dahm, C. N., Baker, M. A., Moore, D. I., and Thinbault, J. R. (2003). Coupled biogeochemical and hydrological responses of streams and rivers to drought. Freshwater Biology 48, 1219–1231.
Coupled biogeochemical and hydrological responses of streams and rivers to drought.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXmt12iu7s%3D&md5=8fa203f48a9a38a0bc085ee99b15feb6CAS |

Day, G. McD., Beckett, R., Hart, B., and McKelvie, I. (1991). Characterization of natural organic matter from four Victorian freshwater systems. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 42, 675–687.
Characterization of natural organic matter from four Victorian freshwater systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK38XitVSmt78%3D&md5=4007c11fed8ad293d2adfb6eaea201e2CAS |

Eaton, A. D., Clesceri, L. S., and Greenberg, A. E. (1995). ‘Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.’ (American Public Health Association: Washington, DC.)

Ekau, W., Auel, H., Portner, O., and Gilbert, D. (2010). Impacts of hypoxia on the structure and processes in pelagic communities (zooplankton, macro-invertebrates and fish). Biogeosciences 7, 1669–1699.
Impacts of hypoxia on the structure and processes in pelagic communities (zooplankton, macro-invertebrates and fish).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXhtV2rtLjO&md5=fcf3de1885c5eed1f8096d4f51d0e9d4CAS |

Elser, J. J., Fagan, W. F., Denno, R. F., Dobberfuhl, D. R., Folarin, A., Huberty, A., Interlandi, S., Kilham, S. S., McCauley, E., Schulz, K. L., Siemann, E. H., and Sterner, R. W. (2000). Nutritional constraints in terrestrial and freshwater food webs. Nature 408, 578–580.
Nutritional constraints in terrestrial and freshwater food webs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXovFWrsLs%3D&md5=274bfdaa9eb00a642ee85f79fa2df249CAS | 11117743PubMed |

Filella, M. (2009). Freshwaters: which NOM matters? Environmental Chemistry Letters 7, 21–35.
Freshwaters: which NOM matters?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhsFSksrc%3D&md5=a06ac87491328e4202539eee947d1daaCAS |

Hladyz, S., Watkins, S. C., Whitworth, K. L., and Baldwin, D. S. (2011). Flows and hypoxic blackwater events in managed ephemeral river channels. Journal of Hydrology 401, 117–125.
Flows and hypoxic blackwater events in managed ephemeral river channels.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXktF2hs7Y%3D&md5=8cbab28ca4c9c615dc952a0a86ddfdacCAS |

Howitt, J. A., Baldwin, D. S., Rees, G. N., and Williams, J. L. (2007). Modelling blackwater: predicting water quality during flooding of lowland river forests. Ecological Modelling 203, 229–242.
Modelling blackwater: predicting water quality during flooding of lowland river forests.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Imai, A., Fukushima, T., Matsushige, K., and Yong Hwan, K. (2001). Fractionation and characterisation of dissolved organic matter in a shallow eutrophic lake, its inflowing rivers and other organic matter sources. Water Research 35, 4019–4028.
Fractionation and characterisation of dissolved organic matter in a shallow eutrophic lake, its inflowing rivers and other organic matter sources.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXntlKhuro%3D&md5=09c017bd0afff71f616c5ade5be39c6cCAS | 11791831PubMed |

King, A. J., Tonkin, Z., and Lieshcke, J. (2012). Short-term effects of a prolonged blackwater event on aquatic fauna in the Murray River, Australia: considerations for future events. Marine and Freshwater Research 63, 576–586.
Short-term effects of a prolonged blackwater event on aquatic fauna in the Murray River, Australia: considerations for future events.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kirk, J. T. O. (1994). ‘Light and Photosynthesis in Aquatic Ecosystems.’ (CambridgeUniversity Press: Cambridge, UK.)

Kraehenbuehl, D. N. (1978). Flora of the Adelaide Plains. In ‘Five Creeks of the River Torrens’. (Ed. J. W. Warburton.) pp. 11–17. (The Department of Adult Education, The University of Adelaide: Adelaide.)

Leenheer, J. A. (1981). Comprehensive approach to preparative isolation and fractionation of dissolved organic carbon from natural waters and wastewaters. Environmental Science & Technology 15, 578–587.
Comprehensive approach to preparative isolation and fractionation of dissolved organic carbon from natural waters and wastewaters.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL3MXlvFaju7Y%3D&md5=8dde775526e846c05fe6d9fb4cf5c435CAS |

Lindell, M. J., Granéli, H. W., and Bertilsson, S. (2000). Seasonal photoreactivity of dissolved organic matter from lakes with contrasting humic content. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 57, 875–885.
Seasonal photoreactivity of dissolved organic matter from lakes with contrasting humic content.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXktlWrur8%3D&md5=c1e1e9810463c40cd5e5925b0e6a6195CAS |

Lønborg, C., Davidson, K., Álvarez–Salgado, X. A., and Miller, A. E. J. (2009). Bioavailability and bacterial degradation rates of dissolved organic matter in a temperate coastal area during an annual cycle. Marine Chemistry 113, 219–226.
Bioavailability and bacterial degradation rates of dissolved organic matter in a temperate coastal area during an annual cycle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McCune, B., and Mefford, M. J. (1999). ‘PC-ORD. Multivariate Analysis of Ecological Data Version 4.’ (MjM Software Design: Glendon Beach, OR.)

McDonald, S., Pringle, J. M., Prenzel, P. D., Bishop, A. G., and Robards, K. (2007). Bioavailability of dissolved organic carbon and fulvic acid from an Australian floodplain river and billabong. Marine and Freshwater Research 58, 222–231.
Bioavailability of dissolved organic carbon and fulvic acid from an Australian floodplain river and billabong.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXit1art70%3D&md5=aacc4290d92ebd46c6eb200012b3f4dbCAS |

Mogren, E., Scarpino, P. V., and Summers, R. S. (1990). Measurements of biodegradable organic carbon in drinking water. In ‘Proceedings of the AWWA Annual Conference’ pp. 573–578. (American Water Works Association: Denver, CO.)

Moran, M. A., and Zepp, R. G. (1997). Role of photoreactions in the formation of biologically labile compounds from dissolved organic matter. Limnology and Oceanography 42, 1307–1316.
Role of photoreactions in the formation of biologically labile compounds from dissolved organic matter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXhtlyjtrw%3D&md5=180d6aff5be8fb2f3f3e2f8e53171a9bCAS |

Morris, D. P., Zagarese, H., Williamson, C. E., Balseiro, E. G., Hargreaves, B. R., Modenutti, B., Moeller, R., and Queimalinos, C. (1995). The attenuation of solar UV radiation in lakes and the role of dissolved organic carbon. Limnology and Oceanography 40, 1381–1391.
The attenuation of solar UV radiation in lakes and the role of dissolved organic carbon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK28XpvVOlsQ%3D%3D&md5=ccb0b042ad0d83bc3d1e8f06c2055254CAS |

Petrone, K.C., Fellman, J. B., Hood, W., Donn, M. J., and Grierson, P. F. (2011). The origin and function of dissolved organic matter in agro-urban coastal streams. Journal of Geophysical Research 116, G01028.
The origin and function of dissolved organic matter in agro-urban coastal streams.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Qualls, R. G. (2005). Biodegradability of fractions of dissolved organic carbon leached from decomposing litter. Environmental Science & Technology 39, 1616–1622.
Biodegradability of fractions of dissolved organic carbon leached from decomposing litter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXlsFOmtQ%3D%3D&md5=7d3114d5b965c47bc534572056e7f849CAS |

Regel, R. H. (2003). Phytoplankton and turbulence at selected scales. Ph.D. Thesis, the University of Adelaide.

Regel, R. H., Brookes, J. D., and Ganf, G. G. (2004). Vertical migration,entrainment and photosynthesis of the freshwater dinoflagellate Peridinium cinctum in a shallow urban lake. Journal of Plankton Research 26, 143–157.
Vertical migration,entrainment and photosynthesis of the freshwater dinoflagellate Peridinium cinctum in a shallow urban lake.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXht1Kksbs%3D&md5=a2bce6c70928b4d3fe11cf23aba21292CAS |

Søndergaard, M., and Middelboe, M. (1995). A cross-system analysis of labile dissolved organic carbon. Marine Ecology Progress Series 118, 283–294.
A cross-system analysis of labile dissolved organic carbon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Strauss, E. A., and Lamberti, G. A. (2002). Effect of dissolved organic carbon quality on microbial decomposition and nitrification rates in stream sediments. Freshwater Biology 47, 65–74.
| 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38Xht1Olt7o%3D&md5=07e0a66315673a7a0ccbf45688bcd682CAS |

Thurman, E. M., and Malcolm, R. L. (1981). Preparative isolation of aquatic humic substances. Environmental Science & Technology 15, 463–466.
Preparative isolation of aquatic humic substances.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL3MXksV2jsL4%3D&md5=757caae0d17e22f5c6e841d3b6bcaaa3CAS |

Volk, C. J., Volk, C. B., and Kaplan, L. A. (1997). Chemical composition of biodegradable dissolved organic matter in stream water. Limnology and Oceanography 42, 39–44.
Chemical composition of biodegradable dissolved organic matter in stream water.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXjtVCmu70%3D&md5=eb98d03fad9f9aaf591327ec77a0db48CAS |

Wallace, T. A. (2006). Composition and bioavailability of DOC across a rural-urban gradient. Ph.D. Thesis, the University of Adelaide.

Wallace, T. A., Ganf, G. G., and Brookes, J. D. (2008). A comparison of phosphorus and DOC leachates from different types of leaf litter in an urban environment. Freshwater Biology 53, 1902–1913.
A comparison of phosphorus and DOC leachates from different types of leaf litter in an urban environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXhtFKisLnF&md5=68a5c30876a6f04cd9cd7f0b758c7918CAS |

Wetzel, R. G., Hatcher, P. G., and Bianchi, T. S. (1995). Natural photolysis by ultraviolet irradiance of recalcitrant dissolved organic matter to simple substrates for rapid bacterial metabolism. Limnology and Oceanography 40, 1369–1380.
Natural photolysis by ultraviolet irradiance of recalcitrant dissolved organic matter to simple substrates for rapid bacterial metabolism.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK28XpvVOlsA%3D%3D&md5=ac4a00c045e9b38dfa9b6f080ddec3a6CAS |

Whitworth, K. L., Baldwin, D. S., and Kerr, J. L. (2012). Drought, floods and water quality: drivers of a severe hypoxic blackwater event in a major river system (the southern Murray–Darling Basin, Australia) Journal of Hydrology 450–451, 190–198.
Drought, floods and water quality: drivers of a severe hypoxic blackwater event in a major river system (the southern Murray–Darling Basin, Australia)Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |