Effect of long-term phosphorus addition on the quantity and quality of dissolved organic carbon in a freshwater wetland of Northeast China

Understanding how P enrichment alters the quantity and quality of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is important, because of their role in regulating the C cycle. Here, we established a four-level P addition experiment (0, 1.2, 4.8, and 9.6gPm−2year−1) in a N-limited freshwater wetland in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of eight years of P addition on DOC concentration, SUVA254 (Abs254/DOC concentration, indicating the aromaticity of DOC), C:C ratio (Abs400/DOC concentration, indicating the proportion of colored humic substances in DOC), and E4:E6 ratio (Abs465/Abs665, indicating the molecular size of humic substances) in surface water and soil pore water (0–15cm depth) during the growing season (June through September). Our results showed similar changing trends in concentration and optical properties of DOC following eight years of P addition in the both surface water and soil pore water across the sampling dates. Generally, P addition decreased DOC concentration, SUVA254, and C:C ratio, and increased E4:E6 ratio, irrespective of P addition levels. These altered optical properties of DOC indicated that P addition decreased the molecular weight and aromaticity of DOC, and thus increased the quality of DOC. These results suggest P enrichment substantially reduces the quantity of DOC in N-limited temperate freshwater wetlands, and imply that increased DOC quality following P addition can further provide a positive feedback to decreased DOC pool. [Display omitted] •Effect of P enrichment on quantity and quality of DOC remains unclear.•Eight years of P addition decreased DOC concentration in waters.•Long-term P addition decreased SUVA254 and C:C ratio, but increased E4:E6 ratio.•Long-term P addition increased the quality of DOC in N-limited wetlands.•Increased DOC quality after P enrichment would further cause DOC loss from waters.