Dynamics of dissolved organic carbon in surface water during extreme rainfall-runoff events

Abstract

The release of a greater amount of natural organic matter (NOM) within climate change is registered in many catchments with peatbog areas. The aim of our research is to study the dynamics of releasing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) into surface water in headwater areas with peatbogs. DOC concentrations are analysed in relation to extreme rainfall-runoff (R-R) events and according to the hydrological preconditions of the basin. These preconditions are described using selected hydroclimatic variables (14 days before the R-R event). The source data comes from stations of the Faculty of Science, Charles University, and the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. For the evaluation of relations and processes, the Principal component analysis (PCA), hysteresis loops or Pearson correlation coefficient was used. The lag time of DOCmax for Qmax, the dependence of DOCmax and groundwater levels were studied. The influence of flow rate on the decline and ascent phases of DOC concentrations by hysteresis loops and the influence of the number of partial flow maximums on the amount of transported DOC during the R-R event was analysed. Our first results show that great influence on the dynamic of DOC concentration in surface water has the change in groundwater-levels in the peatbog and the outflow amount during the R-R event. The hydroclimatic preconditions of the basin have also a significant influence on the DOC release. Changes in concentrations during R-R events also occurred for other compounds that were studied additionally. Particularly significant was the increase in metals (mainly Fe, Al, Mn) and base cation (K) and decrease in nitrate nitrogen.