Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Dissolved Organic Matter In Subarctic Streams And Rivers: Direct And Proxy Measures Of Quantity, Quality, And Mercury, Tara M. Despault

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The drainage network of the Hudson Bay Lowlands (HBL) peatland complex regulates the transport of freshwater and solutes, including dissolved organic matter (DOM) and mercury, to Hudson Bay. Due to the remoteness and areal extent of the HBL, traditional, campaign-based sampling programs are unable to fully elucidate the region’s hydrology and biogeochemistry. This study investigated seasonal variability of DOM quantity and quality in two distinct stream orders to explore DOM sources to surface waters in the region, and assessed optical measurements as proxies for riverine DOM and mercury. In-stream primary production and enhanced microbial processing influenced DOM characteristics during base …