Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Irina CATIANIS, Ion STANESCU, Dumitru GROSU, Ana Bianca PAVEL, Albert SCRIECIU, Ovidiu BORZAN, Andrei TOMA, Florin DUTU, Gabriel IORDACHE
Organic matter plays a crucial role in maintaining lake health and trophic balance. It mainly originates from autochthonous sources like phytoplankton, microorganisms, and macrophytes, as well as allochthonous inputs from the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem. Understanding the origin of organic matter is important for assessing ecosystem quality and trends in lake evolution. This study uses the Loss of Ignition method to estimate the distribution, sources, and quantity of total organic matter (TOM %) in lakes of the Gorgova-Uzlina hydrographic unit in the Danube Delta, Romania. Results indicate that TOM concentrations (15-30%) in surface sediments primarily originate from in-situ lacustrine production, with minor contributions from upstream terrestrial inputs. Accomplished analysis revealed recent organo-sedimentary accumulations based on lithological components (TOM %, carbonates - CAR %, and minerogenic fraction - SIL %). The organic matter in these sediments may reflect both natural processes and anthropogenic impacts, emphasizing the need for monitoring to understand the dynamics and vulnerability of the delta ecosystem and perform conservation efforts.
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