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Characterizing the effects of stormwater runoff on dissolved organic matter in an urban river (Jiujiang, Jiangxi province, China) using spectral analysis

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Abstract

The effect of stormwater runoff on dissolved organic matter (DOM) in rivers is one of the central topics in water environment research. Jiujiang is one of the first cities established in the green development demonstration zone of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (Jiangxi Province, China). Three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix fluorescence with parallel factor analysis (3DEEM-PARAFAC) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy were used to explore the effects of runoff on organic matter in Shili River (Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China). The results show that the runoff led to an increase of some critical pollutants and DOM concentrations, especially in the middle reaches of the river. The concentration and relative molecular weight of DOM in water increased as a result of runoff. Three humic-like (C1–C3) and two protein-like (C4 and C5) components of DOM were identified using the PARAFAC model. The sources of the three humic-like components (C1, C2, C3) were consistent, unlike those of the protein-like component C4. Compared with the pre-rainfall period, the content of humus compounds flowing into the river through the early rainwater runoff was lower, which caused the relative content and proportion of humic substances little change and protein-like species increasing. The DOM mainly derived from autochthonous sources, and runoff had limited effect on its characteristics. Jiujiang is a key demonstration city for Yangtze River conservation. Rainwater runoff is one of the pollution sources of urban rivers, which leads to the deterioration of water quality and influences the distribution characteristics of DOM in water bodies. The PARAFAC components could adequately represent different indicators and sources of DOM in urban rivers, providing an important reference for urban river management.

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Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC, No. 51809283) and the Foundation of China Three Gorges Corporation (No. 202003136).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an, 710054, China

    Keting Yuan & Qiong Wan

  2. Hebei Key Laboratory of Intelligent Water Conservancy, School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China

    Beibei Chai & Lixin He

  3. Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for the Regulation and Comprehensive Management of Water Resources and Water Environment, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, China

    Beibei Chai & Lixin He

  4. State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, 100038, China

    Xiaohui Lei & Aiqing Kang

  5. Shanghai Survey, Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200434, China

    Jianghai Chen & Xiang Chen

  6. China Three Gorges Corporation, Wuhan, 430010, China

    Jianghai Chen & Xiang Chen

  7. China Water Investment Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100053, China

    Hongwei Shi

  8. College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, 712100, Yangling, China

    Ming Li

Authors
  1. Keting Yuan
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  2. Qiong Wan
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Experiment, software, and analysis were performed by Keting Yuan. Conceptualization and analysis were performed by Qiong Wan. Statistical analysis and experimental design were performed by Beibei Chai and Lixin He. Investigation, project administration, and resources were provided by Aiqing Kang, Jianghai Chen, Xiang Chen, Hongwei Shi, and Xiaohui Lei. Supervision and review and editing were performed by Ming Li. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Keting Yuan, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Beibei Chai.

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Highlights

• EEM-PARAFAC technique can monitor variations in DOM content in rivers.

• The protein-like component of DOM increased after the initial stormwater runoff.

• DOM components can reflect water quality indicators.

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Yuan, K., Wan, Q., Chai, B. et al. Characterizing the effects of stormwater runoff on dissolved organic matter in an urban river (Jiujiang, Jiangxi province, China) using spectral analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 50649–50660 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25933-6

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