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Modeling Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) Dynamics in Flooded Wetlands
Citation:
Sharifi, A., L. Kalin, AND M. Hantush. Modeling Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) Dynamics in Flooded Wetlands. Presented at 9th INTECOL International Wetlands Conference, Orlando, FL, June 03 - 08, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
To test and evaluate a recently developed process-based numerical model for simulating carbon dynamics carbon dynamics and DOC export in flooded wetlands.
Description:
Wetlands play an important role in the global carbon cycle and are recognized for their considerable potential to sequester carbon. Wetlands contain the largest component (18-30%) of the terrestrial carbon pool and are responsible for about a quarter of the global methane emissions to the atmosphere. Carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emission from wetlands has been the subject of many studies and modeling efforts in the past and in recent years. Yet, export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from wetlands to receiving water bodies is a component in wetland carbon cycle that has not captured much attention. At high concentrations, DOC can react with chlorine during drinking water treatment and form carcinogenic disinfection byproducts. In this study, we tested and evaluated a recently developed process-based numerical model for simulating carbon dynamics and DOC export in flooded wetlands. The model was evaluated using water quality data collected from a small restored wetland located on Kent Island, Maryland. The study wetland received runoff from an agricultural field. Model calibration showed that more than 90% of the incoming total carbon load to the wetland was in dissolved form. The time series plots of observed and simulated DOC concentrations and loads in general compared well. Dominant processes in the carbon cycle of the study wetland were examined through qualitative and quantitative sensitivity analysis. Results showed that temperature has a significant impact on DOC fate and transport in the study wetland.
URLs/Downloads:
Modeling Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) Dynamics in Flooded Wetlands
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