Linking optical and molecular signatures of dissolved organic matter in the Mediterranean Sea.

ABSTRACT: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a key role in global biogeochemical cycles and experiences changes in molecular composition as it undergoes processing. In the semi-closed basins of the oligotrophic Mediterranean Sea, these gradual molecular modifications can be observed in close proximity. In order to extend the spatial resolution of information on DOM molecular composition available from ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry in this area, we relate this data to optical (fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy) measurements. Covariance between molecular formulae signal intensities and carbon-specific fluorescence intensities was examined by means of Spearman's rank correlations. Fifty two per cent of the assigned molecular formulae were associated with at least one optical parameter

SUBMITTER: Martinez-Perez AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5469803 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature