Biodegradability of dissolved organic carbon in three tropical watersheds

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Date
2009-11Author
Marcano Rivas, Alexandra S.
Ortiz-Zayas, Jorge R.
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Show full item recordAbstract
In rivers, the microbial loop explains how microbes oxidize DOC to obtain
energy making carbon available to higher trophic levels in the river foodweb.
DOC biodegradability, however, is variable depending on its source. Its
concentrations and quality can be affected by allochthonous sources, but can
also be affected by anthropogenic sources such as wastewaters and runoff
from urban or agricultural areas. Anthropogenic carbon inputs to rivers can
increase the concentration of labile DOC (Balakrishna, 2006).