Boreal Stream Water Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) Quality

Stream water samples were taken at three different streams across a boreal forested watershed at the International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area. The study utilized optical properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in stream water, and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) modelling, in order to both characterize DOM in stream water, as well as investigate connections between DOM in soil and stream water within the same watershed. Investigating linkages between DOM in soil and stream water within the watershed, can aid in the understanding of the types of carbon that both remain in the soil, as well as that which is transported to the stream. Optical properties can offer an accessible and efficient method in characterizing DOM.