Dissolved organic matter in oceanic waters

The amount of information on oceanic dissolved organic matter (DOM) has increased dramatically in the last decade thanks to the advances in chemical characterizatiotion. This information has supported the development of some novel and important ideas for DOM dynamics in the ocean. Consequently, we have a better understanding of the importance of DOM in oceanic biogeochemical cycles. Here we review studies, published mainly during 1995-2001, synthesize them and discuss unsolved problems and future challenges. The measurement, distribution and turnover of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) are presented as the bulk dynamics of the oceanic DOM. The size spectrum, elemental composition, and chemical compositions at molecular and functional group levels are described. The mechanisms proposed for the survival of biomolecules in DOM are discussed.