Organic matter source in the freshwater tropical lakes of southern India

Abstract

In this article, sediment texture, calcium carbonate, organic matter (OM), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and C/N ratio analysis of lake floor sediments of the Berijam and Kukkal lakes located nearly 2000 m amsl in the Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu, India are presented. This study was carried out to decipher the spatial distribution, origin of OM and the relationship among the components. TOC, TN% and C/N ratio of the Berijam lake sediments indicate a mixed source of OM (terrestrial and in situ lake algae and other biota), while for the Kukkal lake it is due to algae, aquatic weeds and plant detritus that grow along its margins. The lake margins and lake-bed morphology control the distribution of sediment particulate matter and texture.