ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
model
;
processes
;
humic-fulvic acids
;
tannins and lignins
;
hydrocarbons
;
phenols
;
fatty acids
;
carbohydrates
;
amino acids
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Clear cold mountain streams of the Marmot Creek drainage basin are surprisingly active in the conversion of organic matter. A conceptual process reactor model with input/output functions was developed for the Marmot basin to evaluate the stream as a reactor and to quantify many of the processes within the process reactor of the stream. The flow of refractory organic compounds through a 2 km reach of the Marmot Creek basin showed no conversion, just simple transport from input to output, for humic and fulvic acids. Tannins and lignins, which are commonly regarded as less refractory, showed conversions. Mass balance data for the input/output flow of more labile substances-amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids and phenols-confirmed the processes of degradation. Further, they showed a great deal of dynamic activity in the stream that resulted in some cases in net generation of labile compounds such as hydrocarbons, i.e. where processes of generation dominated those of degradation.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02185637
Permalink
