Characterization of the vertical size distribution, composition and chemical properties of dissolved organic matter in the (ultra)oligotrophic Pacific Ocean through a multi-detection approach

This work presents a multi-analytical approach for the characterization of marine dissolved organic matter (DOM). The determination of marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was performed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and validated using a certified reference material (CRM) as well as through an intercomparison exercise. Multi-detection SEC, fluorescence and electrochemical methods were used in order to describe the size distribution spectra, the composition and chemical properties of marine DOM, in the (ultra)oligotrophic West Tropical South Pacific Ocean (WTSP). In this work, we defined the state of degradation of DOC in the different size fractions, operationally defined by SEC. We estimated that on average 62% of DOC was of humic nature (0.5–10 kDa), of which ~9% was able to complex trace elements, such as iron (Fe). Our results tend to support that non-refractory DOC is of high molecular weight (HMW), nitrogen (N)-rich, aliphatic, and has a weak fluorescence quantum yield and an enhanced binding capacity for Fe. The ageing of marine DOM occurring within mesopelagic waters is mainly driven by microbial respiration and alters these chemical properties. Although our results are in agreement with a paradigm describing oceanic DOM biogeochemistry known as the size-reactivity continuum, 3 μmolC L−1 of very HMW (> 10 kDa) were still observed in a water mass mainly composed of Pacific Deep Waters. This persistence could be explained by a significant content (5%) of aromatic carbon that may protect HMW DOM from long term biodegradation.