title: Observations on carbon and nitrogen content of suspended matter in a headwater stream in Hong Kong.
abstract: The total carbon(C) and total nitrogen(N) content of suspended matter in a small undisturbed headwater drainage basin in the New Territories of Hong Kong has been monitored. Mean C and N contents were 12.85% and 0.99% respectively for 132 samples. Samples collected under stableflow conditions had mean C and N contents of 12.81% and 1.06% respectively. Stormflow samples had mean C and N values of 12.86% and 0.97% respectively, which were very similar to the levels observed under stableflow conditions. The mean C:N ratios of 12.47 and 13.39 for stableflow and stormflow also reveal little difference according to hydrologic conditions. When all the data is considered little difference is observed in C and N according to the season. However, in winter there is a significant difference in C and N content between stable and stormflow samples. When C and N are plotted against water level the scattergraphs suggested that as stage increases the percentage of C and N in the suspended matter declines. Scattergraphs of C and N against suspended sediment concentration reveal a negative association. Comparison has been made between fresh leaf C, N and C/N ratio for trees and shrubs and the suspended matter. Fresh leaves do not appear to contribute significantly to suspended matter. The C/N ratio of suspended matter would also seem to exclude woody material and algae as sources of suspended matter.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Peart
authors.forename: Dong-sheng
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Guan
mesh_terms: D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D056890:Eukaryota; D006723:Hong Kong; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D045483:Rivers; D012621:Seasons; D014872:Water Movements
chemical_list: D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen