Dissolved Organic Matter in Lacustrine Ecosystems: Energy Source and System Regulator

Concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in lakes are often an order of magnitude greater than concentrations of particulate organic matter; nevertheless, the biogeochemical analysis of DOM is described in only a few textbooks on limnology (most thoroughly by Wetzel). The orgins of dissolved organic substances are largely photosynthetic; DOM is either auhthonously synthesized by littoral and pelagic flora through secretions and autolysis of cellular contents, or allochthonously gene...