BaselineOrganic and inorganic matter in Louisiana coastal waters: Vermilion, Atchafalaya, Terrebonne, Barataria, and Mississippi regions

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) spectral absorption, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, and the particulate fraction of inorganic (PIM) and organic matter (POM) were measured in Louisiana coastal waters at Vermilion, Atchafalaya, Terrebonne, Barataria, and Mississippi River locations, in 2007-2008. The range of CDOM was 0.092 m−1 at Barataria in June 2008 to 11.225 m−1 at Mississippi in February 2008. An indicator of organic matter quality was predicted by the spectral slope of absorption coefficients from 350 to 412 nm which was between 0.0087 m−1 at Mississippi in May 2008 and 0.0261 m−1 at Barataria in June 2008. CDOM was the dominant component of light attenuation at Terrebonne and Barataria. Detritus and CDOM were the primary components of light attenuation at Vermilion, Atchafalaya, and Mississippi. DOC ranged between 65 and 1235 μM. PIM ranged between 1.1 and 426.3 mg L−1 and POM was between 0.3 and 49.6 mg L−1.

Research highlights► Sampling was within Louisiana state waters adjacent the shelf where hypoxia routinely occurs. ► CDOM was the dominant component of light attenuation at Terrebonne and Barataria. ► Detritus and CDOM dominated light attenuation at Vermilion, Atchafalaya and Mississippi. ► DOC ranged between 65 and 1235 μM. ► PIM ranged between 1.14 and 340.03 mg L−1 and POM was between 0.30 and 104.70 mg L−1.