Composition of dissolved organic matter within a lacustrine environment

Margaret V. McCaul, David Sutton, André J. Simpson, Adrian Spence, David J. McNally, Brian W. Moran, Alok Goel, Brendan O'Connor, Kris Hart, Brian P. Kelleher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Freshwater dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a complex mixture of chemical components that are central to many environmental processes, including carbon and nitrogen cycling. However, questions remain as to its chemical characteristics, sources and transformation mechanisms. Here, we employ 1- and 2-D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to investigate the structural components of lacustrine DOM from Ireland, and how it varies within a lake system, as well as to assess potential sources. Major components found, such as carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM) are consistent with those recently identified in marine and freshwater DOM. Lignin-type markers and protein/peptides were identified and vary spatially. Phenylalanine was detected in lake areas influenced by agriculture, whereas it is not detectable where zebra mussels are prominent. The presence of peptidoglycan, lipoproteins, large polymeric carbohydrates and proteinaceous material supports the substantial contribution of material derived from microorganisms. Evidence is provided that peptidoglycan and silicate species may in part originate from soil microbes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)146-154
Number of pages9
JournalEnvironmental Chemistry
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords

  • carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules
  • NMR
  • peptidoglycan

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