Dissolved organic matter composition and characteristics during extreme flood events in the Yangtze River Estuary

Abstract

Understanding the molecular composition and fate of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during transport in estuaries is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of its role within the global biogeochemical cycle. In 2020, a catastrophic flood occurred in the Yangtze River basin. It is currently unknown whether differences in hydrologic conditions due to extreme flooding will significantly impact the estuarine to oceanic DOM cycle. We determined the DOM composition in the Yangtze River estuary (YRE) to the East China Sea by using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) during the high discharge and the flood period (monthly average discharge was 1.2 times higher) on the same trajectory. Our study found that the composition of DOM is more diverse, and more DOM molecules were introduced to the YRE during the flood, especially in the freshwater end member. The result revealed that the DOM was significantly labile and unstable during the flood period. A total of 1840 unique molecular formulas were identified during the flood period, most of which were CHON, CHONS, and CHOS compounds, most likely resulting from anthropogenic inputs from upstream. Only 194 of these molecules were detected in the seawater end member after transporting to the sea, suggesting that the YRE served as a ‘filter’ of DOM. However, the flood enhances the transport of a group of terrigenous DOM, that is resistant to photodegradation and biodegradation. As a result, YRE experienced ~1.6 times higher terrigenous DOC flux than high discharge period. Considering the increased frequency of future floods, our study provides a preliminary basis for further research on how floods affect the composition and characteristics of estuarine DOM. With the help of the FT-ICR MS technique, we can now better understand the dynamic of DOM composition and characteristics in large river estuaries.