Calculation of Terrestrial Inputs to Particulate Organic Carbon in an Anthropogenically Impacted Estuary in the Southeastern United States

Eddins, Stefka G Nikolova

Calculation of Terrestrial Inputs to Particulate Organic Carbon in an Anthropogenically Impacted Estuary in the Southeastern United States

2001

Eddins, Stefka G Nikolova

Using ¹³C/¹²C ratios in particulate organic carbon(POC), this study evaluated the fraction of terrestrially derivedPOC in Winyah Bay, South Carolina, an anthropogenically impactedestuary in the southeastern United States. Results from themixing model, which should be viewed as an upper limit becauseof possible dilution from additional potential end-members,showed that between 50 and 90% of POC in the Winyah Bay estuaryis of terrestrial origin. As this POC may be associated withriver-transported pollutants, the potential for accumulation ofpollutants in Winyah Bay is high because POC may become trappedin the estuary as part of either estuarine bottom sediments,circulation or food webs. Thus strategies for pollutionmonitoring and control in the estuary and its watershed arenecessary for the future management of Winyah Bay naturalresources.

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