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

Partitioning inorganic carbon fluxes from paired O2–CO2 gas measurements in a neotropical headwater stream, Costa Rica
Marzolf, N.S., G.E. Small, D. Oviedo-Vargas, C.N. Ganong, J.H. Duff, A. Ramírez, C.M. Pringle, D.P. Genereux, and M. Ardón. 2022. Biogeochemistry 160: 259–273.

The Viscosity Effect: A Newly Found Connection Between the Riparian Zone and Water Quality
A new Stroud Center study shows that the density of water plays a previously overlooked role in nutrient and carbon cycling in freshwater ecosystems.

Metabolism and soil water viscosity control diel patterns of nitrate and DOC in a low order temperate stream
Oviedo-Vargas, D., M. Peipoch, and C. Dow. 2022. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences 127(5): e2021JG006640.

After the Harvest, the Rain Must Come
Researchers at Stroud Water Research Center are using a rainfall simulator to assess how farming practices affect water quality in our streams and rivers.

Spatial variability in streambed microbial community structure across two watersheds
Akinwole, P., J. Kan, L.A. Kaplan, and R.H. Findlay. 2021. Microbiology Spectrum 9(3) e01972-21.

Partitioning inorganic carbon fluxes from paired O2 – CO2 gas measurements in a neotropical headwater stream, Costa Rica
Marzolf, N.S, G.E. Small, D. Oviedo-Vargas, C.N. Ganong, J.H. Duff, A. Ramírez, C.M. Pringle, D.P. Genereux, and M. Ardón. 2021. Biogeochemistry, early online access.