Comparison of bulk organic matter characteristics in sediments of three Kumaun Himalayan lakes

• Three lakes (Nainital, Sattal and Naukuchiatal) in the Kumaun Himalayan region were investigated for total organic carbon (TOC%) and nitrogen (N%), their atomic ratios (C/N) and isotopic composition (delta C-13 and delta N-15) in their sediments. These geochemical proxies measured in 35-45 cm long cores indicate that organic matter preserved in the lake sediments is primarily derived from algal matter. Increase in TOC in all the three lakes suggests increased productivity. The sediments are anoxic in all the three lakes and show low N%. Shift in delta C-13 isotopic composition indicates influence of sewage input into the lakes. Likewise, increase in delta N-15 in surface sediments suggests nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Kumaun lakes

lake sediments

organic matter

stable isotopes

Earth sciences

Geovetenskap

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)