Dissolved organic carbon concentration and biodegradability across the global rivers: A meta-analysis

Riverine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) exerts a vital role in the global carbon cycle. Although substantial studies have explored DOC dynamics in aquatic ecosystems, it remains unknown about the patterns and drivers of riverine DOC concentration and biodegradability at the global scale. Here, by synthesizing 396 data points from 42 published literatures worldwide, we explored the spatial variations and controls of riverine DOC concentration and biodegradability. Our results revealed that the DOC concentration varied largely across the global rivers, with an average concentration of 10.4 mg L-1. The variations of DOC concentration were influenced by mean annual precipitation, vegetation type, soil type, permafrost degradation and river order. Furthermore, our results illustrated that the riverine DOC also had high biodegradability, showing an average of 16.4% loss within less than 90 days. The biodegradability of DOC was dominantly regulated by inorganic nutrients and DOC composition, but the controlling factors exhibited significant differences between small streams and large rivers. For small streams, DOC composition was the primary driver influencing DOC biodegradability, while for large rivers, nitrogen availability became the dominant factor affecting DOC biodegradability. This study highlights the high concentration and biodegradability of riverine DOC, which could exert an important role in the feedbacks between the global carbon cycle and climate warming.

Automated summary

Riverine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and biodegradability are influenced by factors such as precipitation, vegetation type, soil type, permafrost degradation, and river order. There are significant differences in the controlling factors of DOC biodegradability between small streams and large rivers.