Distributions and sources of dissolved organic matter in seawaters surrounding aqua farms on the Haengwon-ri in Jeju-Island in summer 2015

Abstract

Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), dissolved organic phosphate (DOP), and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were measured in the coastal sea off inland aqua farms in northeastern Jeju Island in summer 2015. The highest concentrations of DOC, DON, and DOP were revealed in the surface water off Hado-ri where the lowest salinity conditions prevailed (31.6). The concentrations of DOC, DON, and DOP in the surface water were lower in the inner stations (SH1-1, 1-2, and 1-3) near the aqua farms of the Haengwon-ri than in the outer stations. The concentrations of DOC, DON, and DOP negatively correlated with salinity. These results indicate that the contribution of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the aqua farms seems to be not significant. On the other hand, the higher concentrations of DON and DOP in the inner stations of Hado-ri (HD 1-1) seem to be attributed to excrement of migrating birds. The three components of CDOM (T, M, and C peaks) showed no relationship with salinity, perhaps due to various in situ productions by marine organisms and decomposition by ultraviolet radiation. The observed lower C:M ratio, an indicator of terrestrial source, and the higher biological index (BIX) of CDOM in the station off Hado-ri indicate that DOM is produced mainly by biological activity. Based on the higher humification index (HIX) of CDOM and the higher DOC:DON ratio off Haengwon-ri, refractory DOM in the inland aqua farms is likely transported to the coastal sea.