Dissolved Organic Matter Processing in Pristine Antarctic Streams

Accelerated glacier melt and runoff may lead to inputs of labile dissolved organic matter (DOM) downstream ecosystems stimulate the associated biogeochemical processes. However, still little is known about glacial DOM composition its processing before entering ocean, although function in food webs largely depends on composition. Here, we employ a set molecular optical techniques (UV–vis absorption fluorescence spectroscopy, 1H NMR, ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry) elucidate Antarctic streams change. Glacial consisted mixture small microbial-derived biomolecules. NMR analysis bulk water revealed that these molecules were processed into more complex, structurally unrecognizable molecules. The extent varied between streams. By applying multivariate statistical (compositional data) data, identified compounds tightly moved parallel Lakes middle flow paths enhanced residence time allowed for both production. In conclusion, substantial Antarctica affects amounts biologically substrates enter ocean.