Arctic Riverine CDOM and its effects on the Polar Marine Light Field

• Main Authors: Orandle, Zoe Ann, Weijer, Wilbert, Elliott, Scott M., Wang, Shanlin
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: 59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES; 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; Arctic; Arctic Ocean; Phytoplankton
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1329604; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1329604; https://doi.org/10.2172/1329604

It is well-known that CDOM (Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter) can have a significant effect on biological activity in the photic zones of aquatic ecosystems. However, the extent of CDOM’s interference with biological activity is not well-known. We examined this issue in great detail in the mixed surface layer of the Arctic Ocean. We studied the impacts of CDOM’s light attenuation on Arctic phytoplankton populations to discover if riverine CDOM’s presence in the Arctic ocean could inhibit and possibly prevent local phytoplankton populations from performing photosynthesis. We incorporated biogeochemistry concepts and data with oceanographic models and calculations to approach the problem. The results showed that riverine CDOM can indeed significantly impact the productivity of phytoplankton populations during the spring and summer months near the major Arctic river mouths we chose to examine. Although our study was detailed and inclusive of many variables, the issue of CDOM’s light attenuation and its effects on phytoplankton populations must be explored on a global scale to help understand if riverine CDOM could prove disastrous for phytoplankton populations.