Kinetics of peat soil dissolved organic carbon release to surface water. Part 2. A chemodynamic process model

Temporary water reservoirs built upon peat soil may exhibit water quality impairment from elevated dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Microbiological decay of the organic carbon in the bed with subsequent release produces "tea" colored water which may require treatment prior to use. This paper contains a process-based mathematical model that quantifies the DOC release from the bed and its build-up in the water column. The model elements are based on microbial DOC production rates and bed sediment transport kinetics describing its' release from the organic soil systems. It relies on laboratory data obtained from an experimental study, Part 1, designed to simulate the DOC chemodynamics of aquatic reservoirs built upon peat soils. A two-step DOC release process was structured based on the experimental findings. The model mechanism assumes a quick release fraction that characterizes the upper soil surface layers as a "tea bag" type release process. This is followed by a fraction that is continuously produced and then released at a constant rate overtime by on-going microbial processes within the upper soil layers. The depth of the active layer, selected as h* = 0.3 cm, is the single adjustable parameter in the model. Concentration predictions of the are consistent with the laboratory simulations and field observations. Measured vs. model-calculated DOC concentrations for both in the microcosm bed and water column are used to test critical features of the proposed model. As conceived and structured it appears to be a realistic first step in quantifying the DOC release consequences for the water column of a reservoir sited upon a peat-soil bed. The development ends with an application to a hypothetical reservoir in order to illustrate model strengths and uncertainties.