The main focus of the Watershed Biogeochemistry Group is to investigate major elemental cycles in streams and their watersheds, particularly carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus pools and fluxes. We are especially interested in quantifying and characterizing the rich array of organic molecules that exist in stream ecosystems, and serve as the main food source to microorganisms and consequently to all biological communities. Throughout the watershed, water is found in many places beyond stream channels, including aquifers, soils, and sediments. Our biogeochemistry laboratory has the capabilities to perform a wide range of chemistry analyses in water samples from all these places.
Watershed Biogeochemistry Staff
Watershed Biogeochemistry News
Hydrogen-deficient molecules in natural riverine water samples — evidence for the existence of black carbon in DOM
Kim, S., L.A. Kaplan, R. Benner, and P.G. Hatcher. 2004. Marine Chemistry 92:225–234.
Riparian deforestation, stream narrowing, and loss of stream ecosystem services
Sweeney, B.W., T.L. Bott, J.K. Jackson, L.A. Kaplan, J.D. Newbold, L.J. Standley, W.C. Hession, and R.J. Horwitz. 2004. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 101(30):14132–14137.
UpStream Newsletter, Summer 2004
A National Science Foundation grant for a study in the Amazon could help unravel the mystery of the missing carbon sink.
Isotopic (13C) analysis of dissolved organic carbon in stream water samples using an elemental analyzer coupled to a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer
Gandhi, H., T.N. Wiegner, P.H. Ostrom, L.A. Kaplan, N.E. Ostrom. 2004. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 18:903–906.
Assessment of TOC analytical accuracy
L.A. Kaplan. 2004. American Water Works Association, Denver, Colorado.
Contributions of microbial biofilms to ecosystem processes in stream mesocosms
Battin, T.J., L.A. Kaplan, J.D. Newbold, and C.E. Hansen. 2003b. Nature 426:439–442.
