Raw water samples from nine utilities were received, and water-quality analyses, bench-scale water treatment, and chlorination were performed to determine the effectiveness of enhanced coagulation at removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and organic halide precursors. Bench-scale treatment included: 1) baseline treatment, defined as the coagulant dose and pH at which the specific utility's water treatment plant was operating on the day the samples were collected, and 2) enhanced treatment, which was determined on the basis of bench-scale studies. Enhanced treatment is defined in the proposed Disinfectant/Disinfection By-Products (D/DBP) Rule as the coagulant dose at which a 10 mg/L increase in coagulant dose does not produce greater than a 0.3 mg/L decrease in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) or total organic carbon (TOC) concentration over the previous dose (Federal Register 1994). The treated samples were then chlorinated and analyzed for disinfection by-products (DBPs), including trihalomethanes (THMs) and non-purgeable dissolved organic halides (NPDOX). Specific objectives included: 1) an evaluation of the effectiveness of enhanced coagulation for TOC reduction, 2) determination of the effectiveness of surrogate parameters: such as raw water DOC and specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA); for predicting TOC removal by enhanced coagulation, and 3) determination of the relationship between DOC and NPDOX concentration in raw and treated waters. For all of the utilities, enhanced coagulation was effective at meeting the proposed TOC removal requirements contained in the D/DBP Rule, which range from 20 percent to 50 percent removal based on the alkalinity and TOC of the raw water. Raw water SUVA was the best indicator of the expected Toe removal by enhanced coagulation, with raw water SUVA values > 3.0 L/mg-m typically indicating greater TOC removal. Organic content was a good indicator of DBP formation. The average non-purgeable dissolved organic halogen formation potential (NPDOXFP) yields, based on DOC, were 155 μg as Cl⁻/mg DOC for raw water samples and ranged from 110- 138 μg as CI⁻/mg DOC for treated water samples. / Master of Science

Of the organic matter in soils typically < 1% by weight is dissolved in the soil solution (dissolved organic matter; DOM). DOM is a continuum of molecules of various sizes and chemical structures which has largely been operationally defined as the fraction of total organic carbon in an aqueous solution that passes through a 0.45 µm filter. Although only representing a relatively small proportion, it represents the most mobile part of soil organic carbon and is probably enriched with highly labile compounds. DOM acts as a source of nutrients for both soil and aquatic micro-organisms, influences the fate and transport of organic and inorganic contaminants, presents a potential water treatment problem and may indicate the mobilisation rate of key terrestrial carbon stores. The objective of this research was to ascertain some of the biologically relevant characteristics of soil DOM and specifically to determine: (1) the influence of method and time of extraction of DOM from the soil on its biochemical composition and concentration; (2) the dynamics of DOM biodegradation; and, (3) the effects of repeated applications of trace amounts of DOM on the rate of soil carbon mineralization. To examine the influence of method and time of extraction on the composition and concentration of DOM, soil solution was collected from a raised peat bog in Central Scotland using water extraction, field suction lysimetry, and centrifugation techniques on a bimonthly basis over the period of a year (Aug 2003 – Jun 2004). Samples were analysed for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), protein, carbohydrate and amino acid content. For all of the sampled months except June the biochemical composition of DOC varied with extraction method, suggesting the biological, chemical and/or physical influences on DOC production and loss are different within the differently sized soil pores. Water-extractable DOC generally contained the greatest proportion of carbohydrate, protein and/or amino acid of the three extraction methods. Time of extraction had a significant effect on the composition of water- and suction-extracted DOC: the total % carbohydrate + protein + amino acid C was significantly higher in Oct than Dec, Feb and Jun for water-extracted DOC and significantly greater in Dec than Aug, Apr and Jun for suction-extracted DOC. There was no significant change in the total % carbohydrate + protein + amino acid C of centrifuge-extracted DOC during the sampled year. Time of extraction also had a significant effect on the % protein + amino acid N in water- and centrifuge-extracted DON: Oct levels were significantly higher than Feb for water-extracted DON and significantly higher in Aug and Apr for centrifuge-extracted DON. Concentrations of total DOC and total DON were also found to be dependent on time of extraction. DOC concentrations showed a similar pattern of variation over the year for all methods of extraction, with concentrations relatively constant for most of the year, rising in April to reach a peak in Jun. DON concentrations in water- and centrifuge-extracted DON peaked later, in Aug. There were no significant seasonal changes in the concentration of suction-extracted DON. A lack of correlation between DOC and DON concentrations suggested that DOC and DON production and/or loss are under different controls. Laboratory-based incubation experiments were carried out to examine the dynamics of DOC biodegradation. Over a 70 day incubation period at 20oC, the DOM from two types of peat (raised and blanket) and four samples of a mineral soil (calcaric gleysol), each previously exposed to a different management strategy, were found to be comprised of a rapidly degradable pools (half-life: 3 – 8 days) and a more stable pool (half-life: 0.4 to 6 years). For all soil types/treatments, excepting raised peat, the total net loss of DOC from the culture medium was greater than could be accounted for by the process of mineralization alone. A comparison between net loss of DOC and loss of DOC to CO2 and microbial biomass determined by direct microscopy suggested that at least some of the differences between DOC mineralised and net DOC loss were due to microbial assimilation and release. Changes in the microbial biomass during the decomposition process showed proliferation followed by decline over 15 days. The protein and carbohydrate fractions showed a complex pattern of both degradation and production throughout the incubation. The effects of repeated applications of trace amounts of litter-derived DOC on the rate of carbon mineralization over a 35 day period were investigated in a laboratory based incubation experiment. The addition of trace amounts of litter-derived DOC every 7 and 10.5 days appeared to ‘trigger’ microbial activity causing an increase in CO2 mineralisation such that extra C mineralised exceeded DOC additions by more than 2 fold. Acceleration in the rate of extra C mineralised 7 days after the second addition suggested that either the microbial production of enzymes responsible for biodegradation and/or an increase in microbial biomass, are only initiated once a critical concentration of a specific substrate or substrates has been achieved. The addition of ‘DOC + nutrients’ every 3.5 days had no effect on the total rate of mineralization. To date DOC has tended to be operationally defined according to its chemical and physical properties. An understanding of the composition, production and loss of DOC from a biological perspective is essential if we are to be able to predict the effects of environmental change on the rate of mineralization of soil organic matter. This research has shown that the pools of DOC extracted, using three different methods commonly used in current research, are biochemically distinct and respond differently to the seasons. This suggests some degree of compartmentalisation of biological processes within the soil matrix. The observed similarities between the characteristics of the decomposition dynamics of both peatland and agricultural DOC suggests that either there is little difference in substrate quality between the two systems or that the microbial community have adapted in each case to maximise their utilisation of the available substrate. The dependency of the concentration and biochemical composition of DOC on the seasons requires further work to ascertain which biotic and/or abiotic factors are exerting control. Published research has focussed on factors such as temperature, wet/dry cycles, and freeze/thawing. The effect of the frequency of doses of trace amounts of DOC on increasing the rate of soil organic C mineralization, evident from this research, suggests that the interval between periods of rainfall may be relevant. It also emphasises how it can be useful to use knowledge of a biological process as the starting point in determining which factors may be exerting control on DOC production and loss.

Vários estudos têm mostrado os benefícios da aplicação agronômica de lodo de esgoto sobre as propriedades físicas e químicas do solo. No entanto, poucos são aqueles que avaliam o impacto desta prática sobre o comportamento de pesticidas em solos tropicais. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da adição de diferentes fontes de lodo (Ribeirão Preto, Franca e Jundiaí) na sorção / dessorção e lixiviação do herbicida ametrina em solos canavieiros do estado de São Paulo (Neossolo Quartzarênico Órtico Típico (RQ), Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico Típico (LVd), Argissolo Vermelho Eutroférrico Chernossólico (PV) e Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico (LVdf). Cinco concentrações (de 4,4 a 79,8 mg i.a. L-1) do herbicida foram utilizadas para obter os valores dos coeficientes de sorção de Freündlich (Kf) e dos coeficientes aparentes de sorção médio e para a menor concentração (Kd ap médio e Kd ap [menor]), a qual corresponde à dose de campo recomendada. Para o teste de lixiviação, o método utilizado foi o de lixiviação em colunas de solo (diâmetro = 5 cm e comprimento = 30 cm), utilizando-se três repetições para cada tratamento, sobre as quais foi simulada chuva de 200 mm uniformemente distribuídas durante 48 h, após a aplicação da solução de 14Cametrina na dose de 3,0 kg i.a. ha-1. De forma geral, a sorção da ametrina variou de moderada à alta em todos os tratamentos (2,68 < Kd ap [menor] < 85,71 L kg-1). Solos argilosos com maior teor de matéria orgânica e argilas do tipo 2:1, como é o caso do PV, apresentaram muito maior potencial de sorção da ametrina; enquanto que solos arenosos com baixos teores de matéria orgânica, como foram os casos do LVd e RQ, apresentaram moderado potencial de sorção. A aplicação de lodos menos estabilizados, com biomassa e material orgânico menos recalcitrante e, portanto, com maiores valores de carbono orgânico total, carbono orgânico dissolvido e pH, como é o caso do lodo de Ribeirão Preto, tendeu a diminuir o potencial de sorção da ametrina. Já a adição de lodos mais recalcitrantes, como o de Jundiaí, tendeu a aumentar o potencial de sorção da ametrina, principalmente em solos arenosos devido a sua menor capacidade tampão. Nestes cenários, poderá ocorrer redução da eficácia agronômica ametrina, uma vez que haverá menos produto disponível na solução do solo. A ametrina apresentou baixo potencial de lixiviação (< 1% da quantidade aplicada) em todos os tratamentos, os quais não apresentaram diferenças entre si, sendo que a grande maioria do pesticida (> 95% da quantidade aplicada) ficou retida na camada de 0-10 cm de profundidade da coluna de solo. Isto implica dizer que a ametrina apresenta baixo potencial de contamina águas subterrâneas, mesmo em solos arenosos, como RQ (90% de areia) / Several studies have shown the benefits of applying sewage sludge on the physical and chemical properties of the soils. However, just a few of them evaluates the impact of this practice on the behavior of pesticides in tropical soils. The main goal of this research was to evaluate the effects of applying different sources of sewage sludge (Ribeirão Preto, Franca e Jundiaí) on the sorption / desorption and leaching of ametryne in soils from São Paulo state (Brazil) cultivated with sugarcane (Neossolo Quartzarênico Órtico Típico (RQ), Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico Típico (LVd), Argissolo Vermelho Eutroférrico Chernossólico (PV) e Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico (LVdf). Five concentrations (4.4 to 79.8 mg a.i. ha-1) of the herbicide were applied to the soil samples to attain the Freündlich sorption coefficients (Kf) and the apparent sorption coefficient for the lower concentration (Kd ap [menor]), which corresponded to the field application rate. For the leaching test the adopted method was the soil leaching columns (diameter = 5 cm and depth = 30 cm), in triplicates, over which a 200 mm rainfall evenly distributed during 48 h was simulated just after ametryne application at the rate of 3.0 kg a.i. ha-1. In general, ametryne sorption ranged from moderate to high in all treatments (2.68 < Kd ap [menor] < 85.71 L kg-1). Clay soils with higher organic matter and 2:1 clay contents, such as the PV, showed much higher sorption potential, whereas sand soils with low organic matter content, such as LVd and RQ, showed moderate sorption potential. The application of less stabilized sewage sludges, with less recalcitrant biomass and organic material and, therefore, with higher organic matter and dissolved organic carbon contents and pH values, such as the Ribeirão Preto, tends to decrease ametryne sorption potential. Otherwise, the addition of more recalcitrant sludges, such as the Jundiaí, tends to enhance its sorption potential, mainly in sand soils due to its lower buffer capacity. In those cases, the agronomic efficacy of ametryne may be reduced since there is lower concentration of the compound available in the soil solution. The ametryne presented low leaching potential in all treatments (< 1% of the applied amount), which were not different among themselves, and that its majority (> 95% of the applied amount) was found at 0 -10 cm soil depth in the column. It implies that ametryne has low potential to contaminate groundwater even in sandy soils, such as the RQ (90% sand)

Vários estudos têm mostrado os benefícios da aplicação agronômica de lodo de esgoto sobre as propriedades físicas e químicas do solo. No entanto, poucos são aqueles que avaliam o impacto desta prática sobre o comportamento de pesticidas em solos tropicais. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da adição de diferentes fontes de lodo (Ribeirão Preto, Franca e Jundiaí) na sorção / dessorção e lixiviação do herbicida ametrina em solos canavieiros do estado de São Paulo (Neossolo Quartzarênico Órtico Típico (RQ), Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico Típico (LVd), Argissolo Vermelho Eutroférrico Chernossólico (PV) e Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico (LVdf). Cinco concentrações (de 4,4 a 79,8 mg i.a. L-1) do herbicida foram utilizadas para obter os valores dos coeficientes de sorção de Freündlich (Kf) e dos coeficientes aparentes de sorção médio e para a menor concentração (Kd ap médio e Kd ap [menor]), a qual corresponde à dose de campo recomendada. Para o teste de lixiviação, o método utilizado foi o de lixiviação em colunas de solo (diâmetro = 5 cm e comprimento = 30 cm), utilizando-se três repetições para cada tratamento, sobre as quais foi simulada chuva de 200 mm uniformemente distribuídas durante 48 h, após a aplicação da solução de 14Cametrina na dose de 3,0 kg i.a. ha-1. De forma geral, a sorção da ametrina variou de moderada à alta em todos os tratamentos (2,68 < Kd ap [menor] < 85,71 L kg-1). Solos argilosos com maior teor de matéria orgânica e argilas do tipo 2:1, como é o caso do PV, apresentaram muito maior potencial de sorção da ametrina; enquanto que solos arenosos com baixos teores de matéria orgânica, como foram os casos do LVd e RQ, apresentaram moderado potencial de sorção. A aplicação de lodos menos estabilizados, com biomassa e material orgânico menos recalcitrante e, portanto, com maiores valores de carbono orgânico total, carbono orgânico dissolvido e pH, como é o caso do lodo de Ribeirão Preto, tendeu a diminuir o potencial de sorção da ametrina. Já a adição de lodos mais recalcitrantes, como o de Jundiaí, tendeu a aumentar o potencial de sorção da ametrina, principalmente em solos arenosos devido a sua menor capacidade tampão. Nestes cenários, poderá ocorrer redução da eficácia agronômica ametrina, uma vez que haverá menos produto disponível na solução do solo. A ametrina apresentou baixo potencial de lixiviação (< 1% da quantidade aplicada) em todos os tratamentos, os quais não apresentaram diferenças entre si, sendo que a grande maioria do pesticida (> 95% da quantidade aplicada) ficou retida na camada de 0-10 cm de profundidade da coluna de solo. Isto implica dizer que a ametrina apresenta baixo potencial de contamina águas subterrâneas, mesmo em solos arenosos, como RQ (90% de areia) / Several studies have shown the benefits of applying sewage sludge on the physical and chemical properties of the soils. However, just a few of them evaluates the impact of this practice on the behavior of pesticides in tropical soils. The main goal of this research was to evaluate the effects of applying different sources of sewage sludge (Ribeirão Preto, Franca e Jundiaí) on the sorption / desorption and leaching of ametryne in soils from São Paulo state (Brazil) cultivated with sugarcane (Neossolo Quartzarênico Órtico Típico (RQ), Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico Típico (LVd), Argissolo Vermelho Eutroférrico Chernossólico (PV) e Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico (LVdf). Five concentrations (4.4 to 79.8 mg a.i. ha-1) of the herbicide were applied to the soil samples to attain the Freündlich sorption coefficients (Kf) and the apparent sorption coefficient for the lower concentration (Kd ap [menor]), which corresponded to the field application rate. For the leaching test the adopted method was the soil leaching columns (diameter = 5 cm and depth = 30 cm), in triplicates, over which a 200 mm rainfall evenly distributed during 48 h was simulated just after ametryne application at the rate of 3.0 kg a.i. ha-1. In general, ametryne sorption ranged from moderate to high in all treatments (2.68 < Kd ap [menor] < 85.71 L kg-1). Clay soils with higher organic matter and 2:1 clay contents, such as the PV, showed much higher sorption potential, whereas sand soils with low organic matter content, such as LVd and RQ, showed moderate sorption potential. The application of less stabilized sewage sludges, with less recalcitrant biomass and organic material and, therefore, with higher organic matter and dissolved organic carbon contents and pH values, such as the Ribeirão Preto, tends to decrease ametryne sorption potential. Otherwise, the addition of more recalcitrant sludges, such as the Jundiaí, tends to enhance its sorption potential, mainly in sand soils due to its lower buffer capacity. In those cases, the agronomic efficacy of ametryne may be reduced since there is lower concentration of the compound available in the soil solution. The ametryne presented low leaching potential in all treatments (< 1% of the applied amount), which were not different among themselves, and that its majority (> 95% of the applied amount) was found at 0 -10 cm soil depth in the column. It implies that ametryne has low potential to contaminate groundwater even in sandy soils, such as the RQ (90% sand)

Many Canadian water treatment plants supplied by surface waters of the Canadian Prairie and Shield have elevated concentrations of trihalomethanes (THMs), which exceed the provincial standards. These water sources are characterized by elevated levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and varying levels of calcium hardness, which causes a challenge for the removal of THMs precursors. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of two treatment methods: chemical coagulation and pre-ozonation-coagulation on the removal of DOC as the main THMs precursor. Surface waters typical for the Canadian Prairie and Canadian Shield were used in the experiments which includes Assiniboine River, Red River, and Rainy River. The effects of different experimental conditions such as coagulant dose, coagulant type, and solution pH as well as ozone dosage on THMs removal were investigated. The structural and chemical characteristics of natural organic matter and isolated humic substances, before and after the reaction with ozone, were studied using spectroscopic techniques. The results illustrated that the quality of source water (DOC characteristics, concentration of water DOC and Calcium) has a significant impact on THMs reduction by chemical coagulation and ozonation. Coagulation results showed that reduction of total DOC does not guarantee THMFP reduction and chemical coagulation should be optimized to remove the hydrophobic acid fraction which forms most THMs. The removal of DOC by aluminum-based coagulants was affected more by the concentration of polymeric and colloidal aluminum speciation. This finding is especially important for plants supplied by high alkalinity waters where pH adjustment is a serious challenge. The effect of pre-ozonation on coagulation varies depending on the concentration of calcium, which has the ability to form complexes with DOC compounds promoting their removal in coagulation. For the surface water with high levels of organic carbon and calcium hardness, ozonation prior to coagulation was beneficial in terms of DOC reduction. However, it showed the opposite effect on water with high levels of DOC accompanied with low level of calcium hardness. Spectroscopic results showed that ozonation of NOM and humic substances cause a significant reduction of aromatic and highly conjugated compounds (constituting primarily the hydrophobic acid fraction). / February 2016

As an efficient filter of airborne Hg compounds, forests retain a significant portion of the Hg deposited to the land. Forested watersheds have been identified as major sources of low-concentration Hg compounds to surrounding streams and lakes. Mercury export from forests is highly variable in both space and time. It is difficult to use field surveys alone to capture the spatiotemporal variation inherent in this variable. Mathematical models are required for improved representation. The objective of this Thesis is to develop and test a monthly dynamic model that can be used to estimate seasonal Hg export from forested watersheds to low-ordered forest streams. The fully developed model consists of four model components: (i) a forest hydrology component, to simulate variation in soil temperature, soil moisture, and stream discharge for input to the other model components; (ii) a forest nutrient cycling and biomass growth component, to simulate forest growth and litter production; (iii) a forest litter decomposition component, to simulate seasonal production of dissolved organic carbon (DOC); and (iv) a monthly DOC and Hg export component to simulate the translocation of DOC and Hg from forested watersheds to low-ordered streams. The Hg-export component incorporates an Hg-to-DOC binding coefficient estimated from a one-time stream survey of Hg and DOC concentrations. Simulations of in-stream Hg concentrations show two main trends: (i) an annual trend, associated with the seasonal (monthly) dynamics of forest litter production, decomposition, and DOC production and export, and (ii) a multiple-year trend, associated with forest harvesting and re-growth patterns of regenerating forests. This study demonstrates that (i) wetland- and conifer-dominated watersheds release a greater amount of Hg to aquatic ecosystems than upland- and deciduous species-dominated watersheds, and (ii) forests nearing maturity, export more Hg than young forests.

Downed woody debris (DWD) is a carbon-rich form of forest litter and plays a unique role in carbon and nutrient cycling. I present a novel modeling approach describing DWD decomposition and nutrient storage in a managed northern hardwood forest. The predicted half-life of DWD carbon was 7 years, less than previously observed in similar northern hardwood forests. A stage-based nutrient model indicated that harvest slash DWD was a net nitrogen and phosphorus sink for eight years following harvest and accumulated calcium during decay. Field observations of respiration and leaching supported model results with a respired C half-life of 8 years, while leached carbon export constituted 1.37% of the respired flux. DWD leachate carbon and nitrogen concentrations were 11× and 2× greater than from litter, respectively, and DWD leachate contributed disproportionately to soil C stocks. This work represents an expedient means of forecasting DWD abundance and partitioning carbon flux from DWD.

Downed woody debris (DWD) is a carbon-rich form of forest litter and plays a unique role in carbon and nutrient cycling. I present a novel modeling approach describing DWD decomposition and nutrient storage in a managed northern hardwood forest. The predicted half-life of DWD carbon was 7 years, less than previously observed in similar northern hardwood forests. A stage-based nutrient model indicated that harvest slash DWD was a net nitrogen and phosphorus sink for eight years following harvest and accumulated calcium during decay. Field observations of respiration and leaching supported model results with a respired C half-life of 8 years, while leached carbon export constituted 1.37% of the respired flux. DWD leachate carbon and nitrogen concentrations were 11× and 2× greater than from litter, respectively, and DWD leachate contributed disproportionately to soil C stocks. This work represents an expedient means of forecasting DWD abundance and partitioning carbon flux from DWD.

Im Fokus der Untersuchungen steht das hydrologische Einzugsgebiet der oberen Wilzsch im Westerzgebirge. Veränderte Stoffausträge des bewaldeten und zum Teil vermoorten hydrologischen Einzugsgebietes führen zu erhöhten Stoffkonzentrationen im Hauptzufluss der Trinkwassertalsperre Weiterswiese (Carlsfeld). Seitens der Trinkwasseraufbereitung stellen insbesondere die gestiegenen Gehalte an gelösten organischen Kohlenstoffen (DOC) Mehraufwendungen dar. Im Zuge der Wiedervernässung der Moorflächen kommt es zu relevanten bodenchemischen Veränderungen, die im Abfluss messbar sind. Eine räumliche Betrachtung der Teileinzugsgebiete des hydrologischen Einzugsgebietes der oberen Wilzsch ermöglicht, das Abflussgebiet in verschiedene Herkunftsräume zu gliedern. Dieser raumbezogene Ansatz leistet einen wesentlichen Beitrag in der Herkunftsanalytik von Wässern, deren Fließwege durch Standorte unterschiedlicher Nutzung geprägt sind. Die Arbeit bedient sich hydrochemischen Analysen sowie multitraceranalytischen Verfahren. Die Analyse der stabilen Umweltisotope ²H und 18O am Wasser, 13C am DIC und DOC, 34S und 18O am Sulfat sowie 15N und 18O am Nitrat hilft bei der Identifizierung von Stoffquellen und Transformationsprozessen. Die Arbeit verfolgt das Ziel, den Beitrag der verschiedenen Stoffsysteme am gesamten Stoffaustrag des Vorfluters aufzuzeigen sowie die atmosphärische Grundlast an den Messstandorten nachzuweisen. Dazu wurden von Mai 2009 bis August 2010 fünf Beprobungskampagnen angelegt. Das Messdesign erstreckte sich auf 19 Standorte in ausgewählten Teileinzugsgebieten, die maßgeblichen Einfluss auf die Vorflut haben. Parallel dazu erfolgte die Untersuchung des Niederschlags an der Station Talsperre Weiterswiese. Erfasst wurden die Inhalte von Wässern verschiedener Moorgebiete, Moorwasserpegel unterschiedlich degradierter Moorbereiche, Gräben und Bodendrainagen im Fichtenforst, der Vorfluter Wilzsch und Kranizsch und des Grundwassers im Fichtenforst. Es kann festgehalten werden, dass je nach Lage bzw. Entfernung der Ursprungsgebiete der Anteil des DOC - Exports unterschiedlich stark ist. So sind die DOC - Austräge saisonal sehr verschieden. Im Ergebnis ist der hydrochemische Beitrag - im Besonderen DOC - der unterschiedlichen Stoffsysteme des hydrologischen Einzugsgebietes letztlich am finalen Pegel der Wilzsch messbar. Die vom Basisabfluss gesteuerten silikatischen Standorte im Fichtenforst leisten einen wesentlichen Anteil zum hydrochemischen Milieu der Vorfluter. Die im Untersuchungsgebiet eingeleiteten Renaturierungsmaßnahmen beeinflussen die Trinkwasserqualität in der Talsperre Carlsfeld nicht. Eine Abgrenzung der atmosphärischen Grundlast ist ebenfalls möglich, atmogen eingetragene Stoffe können an den Standorten ausgewiesen werden.

Sediment diagenesis in aquatic systems is usually understood to be controlled by the concentrations of both organic carbon and the oxidant. However, the concept that sediment respiration may be limited by the supply of organic carbon, even in systems with moderate concentrations of organic carbon in the water column, has yet to be fully explored. Typically we assume that a direct coupling between water column and sediment diagenesis processes occurs and the chemical evolution of porewater and surface water are linked through fluxes of chemical species across the sediment-water interface. While the dynamics of supply of particulate organic carbon (POC) to the sediments via plankton deposition and resuspension, has previously been examined, the fate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) once in the sediments, has rarely been investigated. A series of experiments comprising batch tests, microcosms and sediment cores were conducted on sediment and water from four diverse field sites in which sediment respiration was considered to be carbon limited. Three sites were oligotrophic, acidic lakes and the fourth an oligotrophic coastal embayment. During each experiment dissolved organic carbon was added and measurements were undertaken of solutes that were considered participants in diagenetic processes. While each system differed in its chemical, biological and geological makeup, a key commonality was the rapid onset of anoxic conditions in the sediments irrespective of the overlying water oxygen concentrations, indicating lack of direct coupling between biogeochemical processes in the water column and sediments. Also, similar apparent DOC remineralisation rates were observed, measured solute fluxes after the addition of DOC indicated adherence to the ecological redox sequence, and increased ammonium concentrations were measured in the overlying waters of the acidic microcosms. In marine system experiments it was noted that diagenetic respiration, as indicated by decreasing concentrations of oxygen in the overlying water, increased rapidly after labile DOC was added. To explore the influence of geochemical processes on sediment respiration, a diagenetic model was tested against the laboratory data. The model was able to capture the rapid changes observed in the microcosms after addition of DOC in both the marine and acidic systems experiments. The model has the potential to serve as an essential tool for quantifying sediment organic matter decomposition and dissolved chemical fluxes. This work has focussed our attention on the control of DOC availability on sediment respiration and thus its ultimate control on solute fluxes across the sediment water interface. The results highlight the need to understand and quantify the supply of DOC to the sediment (as POC or already as the dissolved form), its transport through the sediment and its eventual remineralisation. This understanding is critical for improved management of aquatic systems, possibly even in systems where water column organic carbon is plentiful but sediment respiration is constrained by high organic carbon turnover rates in the water column and a resulting low flux of organic carbon to the sediment.