Characteristics, Sources, and Seasonal Variability of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) in the Ganges River, Bangladesh

This study investigated seasonal variability of sources and fluorescence characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the Ganges River using three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3DEEM) spectroscopy and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). 3DEEM and PARAFAC identified five fluorophores (Peak: A, C, M, T, W) and four fluorescent components, i.e., detergent, fulvic acid (M-type), fulvic acid (C-type), and protein-like, respectively, showing high fluorescence characteristics in the pre-monsoon (March-June) and monsoon (July-October) compared to the post-monsoon (November-February) period. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and Specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA(254)) were in the range 1.85-4.7 mg/L and 1.23-5.51 L/mg-m, respectively. DOM components were both fresh and microbial-derived throughout the year. Local hydrological and physicochemical conditions supported the autochthonous and aromatic DOM production in post-monsoon, and richness of terrestrial-derived natural and anthropogenic DOM in the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods. The molecular weight of DOM decreased from the mid of pre-monsoon and continued till monsoon with the increase of terrestrial-derived DOM and photo-irradiation as well as microbial activity. Tryptophan-like fluorescence (TLF) showed high intensity throughout the peak-flow pre-monsoon and monsoon periods, demonstrating a high to intermediate risk of microbial contamination of the Ganges River. The seasonal variability of DOM characteristics suggests that the source and biogeochemistry of DOM in the Ganges Rivers might be sensitive to local hydrology and climate. Graphical abstract

Automated summary

Seasonal variability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the Ganges River was investigated using spectroscopy and analysis techniques, showing different fluorescence characteristics of DOM components in different seasons due to the influence of hydrological and climatic conditions. The study revealed the sensitivity of DOM sources and biogeochemistry in the Ganges Rivers to local hydrology and climate.