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Biogeochemical characterization of suspended particulate matter in the Columbia River estuary
Prahl, F.G.; Small, L.F.; Eversmeyer, B. (1997). Biogeochemical characterization of suspended particulate matter in the Columbia River estuary. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 160: 173-184
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Aquatic communities > Plankton > Phytoplankton
    Cycles > Chemical cycles > Geochemical cycle > Biogeochemical cycle
    Detritus
    Minerals
    Motion > Water motion > Circulation > Water circulation > Shelf dynamics > Estuarine dynamics
    Organic compounds > Carbohydrates > Glycosides > Pigments > Photosynthetic pigments > Chlorophylls
    Organic matter > Particulates > Particulate organic matter > Organic carbon > Particulate organic carbon
    Particulates > Suspended particulate matter
    Properties > Physical properties > Turbidity
    Water bodies > Coastal waters > Coastal landforms > Coastal inlets > Estuaries
    Water bodies > Inland waters > Rivers
    INE, USA, Columbia Estuary [Marine Regions]; USA, Columbia R. [Marine Regions]; USA, Oregon, Columbia R. [Marine Regions]; USA, Washington, Columbia R. [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Prahl, F.G.
  • Small, L.F.
  • Eversmeyer, B.

Abstract
    In order to understand what controls the composition of suspended particulate material (SPM) in estuarine turbidity maxima (ETM), a set of SPM samples collected in the Columbia River and estuary (northwestern USA) during 3 seasons (fall 1990, summer 1991, spring 1992) was analyzed for detrital mineral (Min), total organic matter [OM, as 2 x particulate organic carbon (POC)], biogenic silica (BSi), chlorophyll a, delta13C, and lignin. In most samples, Min, OM and BSi collectively accounted for 100% of total SPM mass, although their relative importance changed seasonally. The ETM was a trap for organic matter during all 3 seasons, which can explain the intense microbial activity and microcrustacean grazing observed previously. The organic matter was particularly rich in chlorophyll a in late spring to early summer. The source of this seasonal enrichment was mainly riverine phytoplankton. The organic matter contribution to ETM from the ocean was minor compared to the river, but apparently not negligible. Despite large seasonal variations in chlorophyll content, the delta13C of POC concentrated in ETM remained nearly constant between -26 and -25.5 ppt. Vascular plant debris, as depicted by lignin phenol content, always comprised a minor fraction of the organic matter in ETM, although ETM had higher lignin levels than the OM of surrounding waters. Intertidal mudflats are if not an additional source of organic matter at least an important site for transforming riverine organic matter that is ultimately concentrated in ETM.

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