Dissolved organic matter (DOM)
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is dissolved and colloidal organic material that passes through a filter with a mesh size of between ~0.1 and 1 microns [1]. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is the carbon component of the DOM. It can be found in three pools:
- a labile pool that has rapid turn-over rates;
- a semi-labile pool that has slower turnover rates (e.g. months); and
- a refractory pool that is not readily available biologically.
DOC/DOM is a source of carbon for bacterial growth. They also forms complexes with trace metals [2] and can absorb sunlight, thus reducing the amount of light that is available for phytoplankton and submerged aquatic plants. The solubilities of relatively insoluble toxicants, such as lindane, p,p’-DDT and PCBs can also be enhanced in the presence of DOC/DOM [3].
- Najjar. R.G. 1991. Marine biogeochemistry. In K.E. Trenberth (editor), Climate System Modeling, Cambridge University Press, pp. 241-280.
- Elder, J.F. 1988. Metal Biogeochemistry in Surface-Water Systems – A Review of Principles and Concepts. U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1013.
- Chiou, C.T., Malcolm, R.L., Brinton, T.I., and Kile, D.E. 1986. Water solubility enhancement of some organic pollutants and pesticides by dissolved humic and fulvic acids. Environmental Science and Technology 20, 502-508.