Streams swamp-draining

This major input of DOM from macrophytes is not restricted to lakes, but is also realized in other aquatic ecosystems. DOM export from watersheds in lotic ecosystems is directly related to annual runoff, but significantly greater in swamp-draining streams compared with upland-draining streams (Mulholland and Kuenzler, 1979 see Chapter 2 and 6). In the Hudson Estuary, planktonic bacterial production is 3 to 6 times greater than primary production (Findlay et al., 1992). DOC derived from submerged aquatic plants in part supports the difference in bacterial carbon uptake and planktonic primary production. 

Foams were collected for characterization from two pristine but geographically contrasting areas — Como Creek, a pristine mountain stream near Ward, Colorado, receiving discharge from direct snowmelt, and the Suwannee River draining the organic rich Okefenokee swamp in Georgia which receives 85% of its water from direct precipitation. 

Samples from the Suwannee River, Georgia, were collected from below the spillway draining the swamp during a 4-day period in early January 1994, which coincided with peak rainfall and high swamp water levels. Approximately 40 L of collapsed foam (approximately 150 L of aerated foam) were collected from quiet pools, allowed to collapse, and then combined into one container before returning to the laboratory for filtration and processing. A 100-L stream-water sample was collected in 4-L baked-glass bottles from the headwaters prior to departure from the site. 

Georgetown (stream draining a bog) Great Dismal Swamp (stream draining a bog)... 

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