Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
Riverine dissolved organic carbon in Rukarara River Watershed, Rwanda
Fabien Rizinjirabake1, Abdulhakim M Abdi2, David E Tenenbaum2
1Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, Lund University, Sweden; Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Rwanda.
Abstract:
Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) loading is rarely estimated in tropical watersheds. This study quantifies DOC loading in the Rukarara River Watershed (RRW), a Rwandan tropical forest and agricultural watershed, and evaluates its relationship with hydrological factors, land use and land cover (LULC), and topography to better understand the impact of stream DOC export on watershed carbon budgets. The annual average load for the study period was 977.80 kg C, which represents approximately 8.44% of the net primary productivity of the watershed. The mean daily exports were 0.37, 0.14, 0.075 and 0.32 kg C/m2 in streams located in natural forest, tea plantation, small farming areas, and at the outlet of the river, respectively. LULC is a factor that influences DOC loading. The quick flow was the main source of stream DOC at all study sites. Stream DOC increases with increasing water flow, indicating a positive relationship. Thus, the expectation is that a change in land cover and/or rainfall will result in a change of stream DOC dynamics within the watershed. Topography was also found to influence the dynamics of stream DOC through its effect on overland flow in terms of drainage area and total length of flow paths. Tea plantations were located in areas of high drainage density and projected increase of rainfall in the region, as a consequence of climate change, could increase stream DOC content and affect stream water quality, biodiversity, balance between autotrophy and heterotrophy, and bioavailability of toxic compounds within the RRW.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Carbon Cycle
Carbon Skeletons
Organic Compounds
Carbonation Shrinkage
The concrete's permeability is slightly reduced as calcium carbonate produced during the reaction fills its pores. Furthermore, its strength is slightly enhanced as the water released during the reaction...
Levels of Organization
Molecules Are Composed of Atoms, and Biomolecules Are Assembled from Molecules:
The most basic levels include atoms, molecules, and biomolecules. Atoms, the smallest unit of ordinary matter, are composed of a nucleus and electrons. Molecules...
Carbon-dioxide Fixation

