A new conceptual framework for the transformation of groundwater dissolved organic matter

Liza K. McDonough (), Martin S. Andersen, Megan I. Behnke, Helen Rutlidge, Phetdala Oudone, Karina Meredith, Denis M. O’Carroll, Isaac R. Santos, Christopher E. Marjo, Robert G. M. Spencer, Amy M. McKenna and Andy Baker
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Liza K. McDonough: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
Martin S. Andersen: UNSW Sydney
Megan I. Behnke: Florida State University
Helen Rutlidge: UNSW Sydney
Phetdala Oudone: UNSW Sydney
Karina Meredith: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
Denis M. O’Carroll: UNSW Sydney
Isaac R. Santos: Southern Cross University
Christopher E. Marjo: UNSW Sydney
Robert G. M. Spencer: Florida State University
Amy M. McKenna: Florida State University
Andy Baker: UNSW Sydney

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Groundwater comprises 95% of the liquid fresh water on Earth and contains a diverse mix of dissolved organic matter (DOM) molecules which play a significant role in the global carbon cycle. Currently, the storage times and degradation pathways of groundwater DOM are unclear, preventing an accurate estimate of groundwater carbon sources and sinks for global carbon budgets. Here we reveal the transformations of DOM in aging groundwater using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry combined with radiocarbon dating. Long-term anoxia and a lack of photodegradation leads to the removal of oxidised DOM and a build-up of both reduced photodegradable formulae and aerobically biolabile formulae with a strong microbial signal. This contrasts with the degradation pathway of DOM in oxic marine, river, and lake systems. Our findings suggest that processes such as groundwater extraction and subterranean groundwater discharge to oceans could result in up to 13 Tg of highly photolabile and aerobically biolabile groundwater dissolved organic carbon released to surface environments per year, where it can be rapidly degraded. These findings highlight the importance of considering groundwater DOM in global carbon budgets.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29711-9

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