<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) transported by rivers represents an important link between carbon pools of terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. However, it is unclear how frequent DOC must be sampled to obtain reasonable load estimates. Here, we used continuous records of the specific UV absorption coefficient (SAC) and discharge from a headwater stream at the Ore Mountains (Germany) to calculate load errors depending on DOC sampling frequency. SAC was used as a proxy for DOC. The results show that the load was underestimated by 13-19% with monthly, 10-13% with bi-weekly and 7-9% with weekly DOC samplings, respectively. We conclude that collecting additional data from high discharge events decrease the error significantly.</p></abstract>

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) transported by rivers represents an important link between carbon pools of terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. However, it is unclear how frequent DOC must be sampled to obtain reasonable load estimates. Here, we used continuous records of the specific UV absorption coefficient (SAC) and discharge from a headwater stream at the Ore Mountains (Germany) to calculate load errors depending on DOC sampling frequency. SAC was used as a proxy for DOC. The results show that the load was underestimated by 13-19% with monthly, 10-13% with bi-weekly and 7-9% with weekly DOC samplings, respectively. We conclude that collecting additional data from high discharge events decrease the error significantly.

Uncertainties in dissolved organic carbon load estimation in a small stream

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Department Aquatic Ecosystems Analysis and Management, Brückstr. 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, Germany, Tel.: +49 391 8109651, Fax: +49 391 8109150

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Department Lake Research, Brückstrasse 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, Germany

Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics

{"article-title":"Uncertainties in dissolved organic carbon load estimation in a small stream"}

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) transported by rivers represents an important link between carbon pools of terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. However, it is...

Uncertainties in dissolved organic carbon load estimation in a small stream

Published Online: Mar 15, 2013

Page range: 81 - 83

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2013-0010

This content is open access.