Molecular diversity of dissolved organic matter reflects macroecological patterns in river networks.

ABSTRACT: Deciphering dissolved organic matter (DOM) molecular complexity is crucial for understanding ecosystem function. Using the continental-scale Worldwide Hydrobiogeochemistry Observation Network for Dynamic Rivers Systems (WHONDRS) Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) dataset, we reveal fundamental scaling patterns of DOM chemodiversity with watershed characteristics. Analysis of 54 river sites shows local and regional watershed features significantly influence DOM chemodiversity (2500-8718 unique formulae), exhibiting consistent scaling patterns across compound classes and a novel latitudinal gradient (decreasing diversity with increasing latitude). Scaling relationships for DOM composition vary by compound class. Crucially, the scaling parameters (B, baseli

SUBMITTER: Freeman EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12289903 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature