Water chemistry data for studies of the biodegradability of dissolved organic matter in peatland catchments at the Marcell Experimental Forest: 2009-2011

Metadata:
Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Sebestyen, Stephen D.
Originator: Funke, Meghan M.
Originator: Cotner, James B.
Originator: Larson, John T.
Originator: Aspelin, Nathan A.
Publication_Date: 2017
Title:
Water chemistry data for studies of the biodegradability of dissolved organic matter in peatland catchments at the Marcell Experimental Forest: 2009-2011
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Fort Collins, CO
Publisher: Forest Service Research Data Archive
Other_Citation_Details:
Updated 09 September 2020
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0067
Description:
Abstract:
This data publication includes water chemistry data for samples from the S2 and S6 research catchments at the Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) in Balsam Township, Itasca County, Minnesota. Data include weekly or more frequent samples of stream water collected from 2009 to 2011. Measurements were taken in upland runoff waters (both overland flow and subsurvey stormflow), which were collected on an event-basis. Both synoptic samples of lagg waters were collected as well as weekly lagg samples from two sites. During 2011, some water samples were collected in the S2 bog. A few additional samples were taken in 2012, 2015, and 2016 to allow a comparison of two different TOC measurement methods and those data are also included. Concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and pH were measured on unfiltered water samples at the Forestry Sciences Laboratory of the Northern Research Station in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Some of the water samples were analyzed at the Cotner aquatic ecology lab at the University of Minnesota (St. Paul) for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, bacterial respiration rate, and biodegradable DOC (BDOC) concentration.
Purpose:
These data were collected for a study of dissolved organic matter (DOM) biodegradability during and after spring snowmelt events.
Supplemental_Information:
Original metadata date was 12/13/2017. On 12/20/2017 an additional supplemental file was added to this data publication. Minor metadata updates were made on 06/13/2019.

The original version of this data publication included metadata and values for nitrate, ammonium, total organic nitrogen (TON), and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations, as well as TOC to TON ratios (TOC:TON). On 09/09/2020 those values were removed after realization that techniques used to store samples allowed chemical transformations between sample collection and sample analysis. In particular, ammonium was converted to nitrate, and SRP was too likely to have been transformed during refrigeration. Since the relative and absolute values of the solute concentrations of nitrogen species changed and affected derived values, TON and TOC:TON were also removed.

**NOTE: A second edition of these data became available on 10/07/2020 (Sebesteyn et al. 2020, https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0067-2) and includes the addition of water isotope data and a few other updates. We recommend the use of this newer edtion.
Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 200903
Ending_Date: 201106
Currentness_Reference:
Ground condition
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed
Spatial_Domain:
Description_of_Geographic_Extent:
Measurements were made on the South Unit of the Marcell Experimental Forest, Balsam Township, Itasca County, Minnesota, USA. The bounding coordinates are the maximum extents of western, eastern, northern, and southern corners of the South Unit of the Marcell Experimental Forest.
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -93.49200
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -93.44900
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 47.50000
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 47.43300
Bounding_Altitudes:
Altitude_Minimum: 420.000
Altitude_Maximum: 435.000
Altitude_Distance_Units: meters (above mean sea level)
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
Theme_Keyword: environment
Theme_Keyword: inlandWaters
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: National Research & Development Taxonomy
Theme_Keyword: Ecology, Ecosystems, & Environment
Theme_Keyword: Hydrology, watersheds, sedimentation
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: water chemistry
Theme_Keyword: upland-peatland catchments
Theme_Keyword: stream water
Theme_Keyword: bog water
Theme_Keyword: lagg water
Theme_Keyword: overland flow (OF)
Theme_Keyword: shallow subsurface stormflow (SSF)
Theme_Keyword: upland forest soils
Theme_Keyword: subsurface runoff
Theme_Keyword: surface runoff
Theme_Keyword: long-term monitoring sites
Theme_Keyword: catchment studies
Theme_Keyword: small watershed approach
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Place_Keyword: Marcell Experimental Forest
Place_Keyword: Minnesota
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:
These data were collected using funding from the U.S. Government and can be used without additional permissions or fees. If you use these data in a publication, presentation, or other research product please use the following citation:

Sebestyen, Stephen D.; Funke, Meghan M.; Cotner, James B.; Larson, John T.; Aspelin, Nathan A. 2017. Water chemistry data for studies of the biodegradability of dissolved organic matter in peatland catchments at the Marcell Experimental Forest: 2009-2011. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. Updated 09 September 2020. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0067
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Stephen D. Sebestyen
Contact_Organization: USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station
Contact_Position: Research Hydrologist
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical
Address: Forestry Sciences Lab, 1831 HWY 169 E
City: Grand Rapids
State_or_Province: MN
Postal_Code: 55744
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 218-326-7108
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: stephen.sebestyen@usda.gov
Browse_Graphic:
Browse_Graphic_File_Name: \Supplements\MEF_S2_S6_map.jpg
Browse_Graphic_File_Description:
JPG file containing a map of the S2 and S6 catchments at Marcell Experimental Forest along with the locations of meteorological stations, weirs, rain gauges, etc.
Browse_Graphic_File_Type: JPG
Data_Set_Credit:
Funding for this project provided by USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station.
Cross_Reference:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Sebestyen, Stephen D.
Originator: Funke, Meghan M.
Originator: Cotner, James B.
Originator: Larson, John T.
Originator: Aspelin, Nathan A.
Publication_Date: 2020
Title:
Water chemistry data for studies of the biodegradability of dissolved organic matter in peatland catchments at the Marcell Experimental Forest: 2009-2011
Edition: 2nd
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Fort Collins, CO
Publisher: Forest Service Research Data Archive
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0067-2
Cross_Reference:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Sebestyen, Stephen D.
Originator: Kyllander, Richard
Publication_Date: 2017
Title:
Daily water and TOC yields for studies of the biodegradability of dissolved organic matter in peatland catchments at the Marcell Experimental Forest: 2009-2011
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Fort Collins, CO
Publisher: Forest Service Research Data Archive
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0068
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Data_Quality_Information:
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
Water Chemistry Method Detection Limits:
42 micromols carbon per liter (µmol C L⁻¹) for total organic carbon (TOC)
3.6 µmol N L⁻¹ for total nitrogen (TN)
50 µmol C L⁻¹ for dissolved organic carbon (DOC)
20 µmol O₂ L⁻¹ for oxygen

Site Locations:
Coordinates of water sampling locations in the S2 bog and lagg were measured using mass-market, handheld GPS units, mostly likely in 2010. These locations are expected to be accurate within several meters.

Coordinates of water sampling locations in the S6 lagg are mapped in Coleman-Wasik et al. (2012). Jill Coleman-Wasik (University of Wisconsin, River Falls, WI) provided SDS a higher resolution version of that map (Coleman-Wasik et al. 2012) and SDS extracted coordinates by comparing maps and visually placing points on a geographic information system (GIS) map in ARCMap (v. 10.1, Esri, www.esri.com). These coordinates are approximate locations for mapping and expected to be accurate within 5 meters.

Coleman Wasik, Jill K.; Mitchell, Carl P.J.; Engstrom, Daniel R.; Swain, Edward B.; Monson, Bruce A.; Balogh, Steven J.; Jeremiason, Jeffrey D.; Branfireun, Brian A.; Eggert, Susan L.; Kolka, Randall K.; Almendinger, James E.; 2012. Methylmercury declines in a boreal peatland when experimental sulfate deposition decreases. Environ. Sci. Technol. 46: 6663-6671. https://doi.org/10.1021/es300865f
Logical_Consistency_Report:
For each type of laboratory measurement, every tenth sample was run in duplicate, followed by two reference standards. Check and reference standards prepared in the Grand Rapids Forestry Science Laboratory were made in volumetric flasks with deionized water (18.0 megaohm, MΩ per centimeter). Potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) was used as reference and check standards for TOC and DOC concentration measurements. Check standards for TN concentration measurement were prepared from ERA-525 (Complex Nutrients, WasteWatRTM Quality Control; Golden, CO). Ultrapure water (< 18.2 MΩ per centimeter) in gaseous equilibrium with an air-saturated headspace at 4°Celsius was used as a reference standard for measurements of oxygen to determine bacterial respiration rates. A Mettler Toledo (Columbus, OH) DL53 Autotitrator was used to measure pH according to Standard Method 4500-H+ B (APHA 1995) for pH.

American Public Health Association (APHA). 1995. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater, 19th ed. American Public Health Association / American Waters Works Association / Water Environment Federation, Washington, DC.
Completeness_Report:
Missing or unmeasured values for a sample appear as blank cells. Not all variables were measured for all samples. Occasionally, the entire available sample volume was consumed before all intended analyses could be completed.

pH:
pH was only measured for a subset of the samples.

TOC:
For samples collected from 2009 to 2011, TOC was measured using the TC-IC (total carbon minus inorganic carbon) method before June 2010 and the NPOC (non-purgeable organic carbon) method thereafter. Consequently, data are reported for one or the other method, but not both.

For samples from 2012, 2015, and 2016, TOC was measured using both the NPOC and TC-IC methods. Only concentrations for both TOC methods are reported, with no other chemistry data provided in this data set.

BR, DOC, and BDOC:
BR, DOC, and BDOC were only measured on a particular subset of samples to study the biodegradability of DOM. Only a small subset of the samples were used to measure DOM biodegradability due to the more labor-intensive nature of the measurements and the need for larger sample volumes than the more frequently analyzed TOC and nutrient concentrations.
Lineage:
Methodology:
Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Description:
LOCATION:

The S2 and S6 catchments are located on the South Unit of the Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF). Studies in these research catchments were initiated during the early 1960s. The S2 catchment has a 6.5-hectare (ha) deciduous uplands forest and the S6 catchment has a 6.9-ha coniferous uplands forest, dominated by aspen (Populus tremuloides) and white birch (Betula papyrifera). The S2 catchment is a reference basin for paired catchment studies at the MEF (Sebestyen et al. 2011). The S6 uplands forest has had conifer cover since 1983, after a 100% clearcut of the upland forest and replanting in white spruce (Picea glauca) and red pine (Pinus resinosa; Sebestyen et al. 2011). Both catchments have soils that developed in surficial glacial tills on deep (50 meters) outwash sand deposits. Each catchment has a central, ombrotrophic, raised-dome bog with a black spruce (Picea mariana)-Sphagnum community. The bog in S2 is 3.2 ha in size and the bog in S6 is 1.9 ha.

The S2 and S6 catchments were instrumented for various studies, with more concurrent studies, more sampling infrastructure, more boardwalks for access, and more frequent samples from the S2 catchment than S6. Autosamplers (3700 Full-Size Sampler, Teledyne ISCO, Lincoln, NE) were used to collect samples of stormflow at each stream.

Weekly and more frequent samples were collected from streams. An autosampler was used to collect event samples at the S2 weir during stormflow. The autosampler was triggered by changes in streamflow. During 2009, an autosampler at the S6 weir was sometimes used to collect samples every 6 hours. Samples from stormflow periods were retrieved and saved for chemical analyses.

During and after snowmelt from 2009 to 2011, samples were collected to determine how total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations varied among source areas in the catchments and over time. A subset of those samples were used to measure DOM biodegradability, which were more labor-intensive and required larger sample volumes than the more frequently analyzed TOC and TN concentrations.

Event-based water samples were collected from upland runoff collectors that were on north- and south- facing hillslopes of each catchment. Overland (OF) and subsurface stormflow (SSF) were collected at each runoff plot. Water level sensors were used to actuate autosamplers (3700 Full-Size Sampler, Teledyne ISCO, Lincoln, NE) after about every 30 liters (L) of inflow inside both the OF and SSF tanks.

Runoff waters from bogs and uplands drain to laggs, the biological, hydrological, and biogeochemical transition between bogs and uplands. Laggs have organic soils and peatland vegetation. Bogs and laggs have hummock and hollow microtopography, with hollow surface elevations relatively lower in laggs than on bog domes. Runoff waters accumulate in laggs and flow towards outlet streams. While water levels rarely rise above the bog surface elevation in hollows, water levels in extensive areas of laggs rise to depths of about 10 centimeters (cm) above peat surfaces during snow melt and after some large rainfall events. Lagg waters were collected when water pooled above snow or above hollow surfaces during snow-free periods. On several dates during 2009 and 2010, lagg waters from up to ten sites around the S2 peatland perimeter were ladled from standing pools of water. On several dates during 2010, lagg waters from up to 13 sites in the S6 peatland were sampled. The variation in sample numbers and locations reflected particulars needs for samples as adjusted among sampling dates. In general, the lagg sampling choices reflected a balance between laboratory analytical constraints on sample numbers, the absence or presence of water at particular sites on a collection date, and the practicality that sometimes a particular site was visited for another study and waters were opportunistically collected at a site that was already being visited. The overall goal of lagg sampling was to obtain spatially distributed samples from the perimeter of the peatland. Weekly lagg samples were collected from two sites that were accessed via wooden boardwalks. From 2009 to 2011, samples were ladled from a shallow excavation (~20-cm deep) in the peat at the S2N lagg site, which was adjacent to the S2N uplands runoff collector. During 2011, samples were pumped from a piezometer (5-cm diameter PVC that was screened from the surface to a 10-cm depth) at the KF5 site, near the S2S uplands runoff collector. Bog waters were sampled weekly during 2011 from the KF45 and KF45A piezometers (north central area of the S2 bog) and K5A (more bogward of the KF5 sampler near the S2S runoff collector). Bog sites were also accessed via boardwalks.

Additional waters from several other watersheds or study sites at the Marcell Experimental Forest were sampled during 2012, 2015, and 2016 for a comparison of TOC measurement methods (NPOC or TC-IC methods; see \Supplements\TOC-NPOC_comparison.pdf for more details). These samples originated from the above mentioned sites, as well as sites in Bog Lake, the S1 peatland and stream, the S4N stream. The EM1, flume, and Test 6 sites are described in Griffiths and Sebestyen (2016). The Bog Lake study site, S1 catchment, and S4 catchment are generally described in Sebestyen et al. (2011). Only TOC concentration data are provided for these samples, which were used to validate the similarity of the two different analytical methods for determining TOC concentration.


DATA COLLECTION:

Water chemistry data for samples from the S2 and S6 research catchments at MEF include weekly or more frequent samples of stream water collected from 2009 to 2016. Upland runoff waters were collected on an event-basis. Upland runoff included both overland flow (OF) and subsurface stormflow (SSF) from runoff collection plots on north- and south-facing hillslopes in both catchments. Occasional synoptic samples of lagg waters were collected when water pooled above snow or above hollow surfaces during snow-free periods. On several dates during 2009 and 2010, lagg waters from 9 or 10 sites around the perimeter of the S2 peatland were ladled from pools of standing water. On several dates during 2010, lagg waters from three to 13 sites in the S6 peatland were sampled. In addition to those synoptic samples, weekly lagg samples were collected from two sites. At the S2N lagg site, samples were ladled from a shallow excavation (~20-centimeters [cm] deep) in the peat from 2009 to 2011. During 2011, weekly samples were pumped from three piezometers (screened from 0 to 10-cm depth) in the S2 bog. The overall data collection scheme allows a comparison of the relative ranges and chemistries of the various source and stream waters samples in two peatland catchments with uplands in different forest cover types (i.e., deciduous and coniferous; see \Supplements\SourceArea_comparison.pdf for more details).

Concentrations of TOC, total nitrogen (TN), and pH were measured on unfiltered water samples at the Forestry Sciences Laboratory of the Northern Research Station in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. These samples were collected in 250-milliliter (mL) low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bottles that were tripled rinsed with sample water and then filled. Samples were stored on ice in the dark until refrigerated. Concentrations of TOC were measured by high-temperature combustion (Standard Method 5310B, APHA 1995) on a Shimadzu TOC-V CPH. Concentrations were measured as total carbon minus inorganic carbon (TC-IC) before June 2010 and as non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC) after that. Some additional samples were collected at other locations on Marcell Experimental Forest during 2012, 2015, and 2016 and analyzed using both the TC-IC and NPOC methods to compare the two methods (see \Supplements\TOC-NPOC_comparison.pdf for more details). Total nitrogen (TN) concentration was measured on Lachat QuikChem8000 analyzers. Total nitrogen concentrations were measured by in-line automated oxidation to nitrate (Latchat QuikChem Method 10-107-04-1-P). For a subset of the samples, pH was measured on a Mettler DL53 Autotitrator using Standard Method 4500-H+ B (APHA 1995).

Some of the water samples were analyzed at the Cotner aquatic ecology lab at the University of Minnesota (St. Paul) for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration bacterial respiration (BR) rate, and biodegradable DOC (BDOC) concentration. These samples were collected in 1-liter (L) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles that were tripled rinsed with sample water and then filled. The initial concentrations of DOC in samples were compared to TOC concentrations that were measured in the Grand Rapids lab to establish that DOC concentration was equivalent to TOC concentration in the various water types that were included in this study (see \Supplements\TOC_DOC_comparison.pdf for more details). The comparison also shows that particulate organic carbon was not a quantitatively important carbon form in these water samples. Samples for BR rate measurement were filtered through pre-rinsed Millipore 0.2 µm cellulose nitrate membrane filters. Rates of BR were calculated as the total oxygen concentration loss over the first 48 hours during dark incubations of whole water in sets of nine 6-mL septum vials without headspace at 21°Celsius (C). Mercuric chloride (1% by volume) was added to one of three vials after 0, 24, and 48 hours to stop bacterial activity. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were measured on a membrane-inlet mass spectrometer (Bay Instruments). Biodegradable DOC was determined by filling 1-L muffled, dark glass Pyrex bottles with 750 mL of filtrate (muffled 0.7-µm glass fiber filters). Bottles were incubated in the dark at room temperature (22°C) for 1 year with 20-mL subsamples removed at time points of 0, 3, 7, 21, 58, 154, and 370 days to measure changes in DOC concentration over time. At each time point, a bottle was inverted gently to re-aerate the water and prevent oxygen limitation of DOM biodegradation. We defined the BDOC as the amount of DOC consumed during 1-year bottle incubations. Decreasing DOC concentrations over time were fit as negative exponential decay relationships, and the BDOC pool was measured as the initial concentration of DOC (day 0) minus the remaining DOC pool, which was defined as the horizontal asymptote of the decay relationships. Concentrations of DOC were measured as non-purgeable organic carbon on a Shimadzu TOC-V analyzer with KHP as a reference standard (Standard Method 5310B, APHA 1995).

Sample information (serial number, site, date, and time) was recorded on waterproof paper field data sheets. Information from field data sheets were entered into an electronic spreadsheet within days to a week of sample collection and files were saved in Microsoft Excel .xls or .xlsx format. Sample information was also recorded on sample bottles at the time of collection. Field data sheets are bound and stored at the Forestry Sciences Lab in Grand Rapids, MN.
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Griffiths, Natalie A.
Originator: Sebestyen, Stephen D.
Publication_Date: 2016
Title:
Dynamic vertical profiles of peat porewater chemistry in a northern peatland
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Journal Article
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Wetlands
Issue_Identification: 36(6): 1119-1130
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-016-0829-5
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Sebestyen, Stephen D.
Originator: Dorrance, Carrie
Originator: Olson, Donna M.
Originator: Verry, Elon S.
Originator: Kolka, Randall K.
Originator: Elling, Art E.
Originator: Kyllander, Richard
Publication_Date: 2011
Title:
Long-term monitoring sites and trends at the Marcell Experimental Forest
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Book Chapter
Other_Citation_Details:
pages 15-71
Online_Linkage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/37979
Larger_Work_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Kolka, Randall K. (ed)
Originator: Sebestyen, Stephen D. (ed)
Originator: Verry, Elon S. (ed)
Originator: Brooks, Kenneth N. (ed)
Publication_Date: 2011
Title:
Peatland biogeochemistry and watershed hydrology at the Marcell Experimental Forest
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Book Chapter
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Boca Raton, FL
Publisher: CRC Press
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: American Public Health Association (APHA)
Publication_Date: 1995
Title:
Standards methods for the examination of water and wastewater, 19th ed.
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Document
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Washington, DC
Publisher: American Public Health Association / American Waters Works Association / Water Environment Federation
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
SAMPLE ANALYSIS DETAILS:

For the Grand Rapids chemistry laboratory, each analytical instrument was operated by proprietary, commercially-available software package from an instrument vendor. The computers are desktop PCs with Microsoft Windows operating systems. Each sample is tracked by analysis using the serial number of a sample. The serial numbers (5 to 6 digit integer) were assigned to a series (first 2 to 3 digits of the serial number) according to study, and these serial numbers serve as a unique identifier to link field and laboratory data from sample collection to laboratory analysis to data curation. Upon arrival in Grand Rapids, the samples are logged in on a bound notebook and stored in a walk-in cooler until processing for laboratory measurements began.

A log book with entries regarding calibrations, maintenance, analysis dates of samples, and other info relevant to analysis is maintained for each instrument. Upon analysis, a report for each sample was printed on paper. Printouts were bound in 3-ring binders that are stored in cabinets in the laboratory. When check standards differ by more than 5% from actual values, an entire batch of samples would have been reanalyzed. When particular samples were higher in concentration than the highest calibration standard, those samples were diluted and re-run until within the range of the calibration standards. In terms of electronic records, generally, batch, method, and data files for each analytical run are stored in the corresponding proprietary formats on those instrument associated computers. Those various files types and final values exported to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets were backed up upon completion of runs on portable storage drives and transferred to several desktop computers. With exception of final pH values (that were entered from printouts), values for calibration standards, reference standards, and samples were copied into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Final values were adjusted for dilutions if necessary. These spreadsheets are stored on desktop computers, backup external hard drives, and an offsite, Forest Service intranet server that is firewalled and can be accessed by relevant Forest Service technicians and scientists in the NRS-07 research work unit team, and by authorized Forest Service information-technology personnel.

Various personnel were involved in the analysis of samples, data processing, and data curation at the Grand Rapids analytical laboratory. Chemist J. Larson managed the lab. D. Nelson or N. Aspelin operated the autotitrator and autoanalyzers. N. Aspelin curates pH and TN data. J. Larson operated the ion chromatograph and TOC analyzer. He curates the TOC data. Several part time laboratory assistants were involved in sample analysis.
Process_Date: Unknown
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Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Overview_Description:
Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
This data publication contains two comma-delimited ASCII text files containing water chemistry data.

\Data\MEF_2009-2011_ChemData.csv: Comma-delimited text file containing water chemistry data collected at Marcell Experimental Forest from 2009-2011.

\Data\MEF_2012-2016_supplemental_ChemData.csv: Comma-delimited text file containing supplemental water chemistry data collected at Marcell Experimental Forest in 2012, 2015, and 2016.

Below is a description of the variables included in both of these files.

Row 1 = variable name
Row 2 = units (if applicable)
Row 4+ = data

LAB_ID = a serial number assigned to each chemistry sample/runoff volume measurement. A value is an integer.

SITE = the name used to document a site location. For chemistry samples, the name identifies the site name on field data sheets, sample storage containers, laboratory logs, data storage spreadsheets, and a chemistry database. A value is a character string.

TYPE = the type of water that was sampled. The typical designations used in this study are: stream, lagg, bog, OF=overland flow, and SSF=subsurface storm flow. A value is a character string.

NAME = the name of the collection site. A value is a character string.

COLLECTED = the date and time at which a sample was collected. The format is m/d/yyyy h:mm (where m=month, d=day, yyyy=year, h=hour, and mm=minutes). A value is a date with time.

pH =lab-measured pH. A value is a number with 1 decimal place. Blank if unmeasured.

TOC_from_TC-IC = total organic carbon (TOC) concentration measured using the TC-IC method, in units of micromol per liter. The value is an integer and blank if unmeasured.

TOC_from_nPOC = TOC concentration measured using the NPOC method, in units of micromol per liter. The value is an integer and blank if unmeasured.

DOC = dissolved organic carbon concentration measured using the NPOC method, in units of micromol per liter. A value is an integer and blank if unmeasured.

TN = total nitrogen concentration, in units of micromol per liter. A value is a number with 1 decimal place and blank if unmeasured.

TOC:TN = the ratio of TOC to TN, unitless. A value is a whole number and blank if unmeasured.

BR = bacterial respiration, in units of micromol per liter per day. A value is a number with 1 decimal place and blank if unmeasured.

BDOC = biodegradable DOC (BDOC), in units of micromol per liter. A value is a whole number and blank if unmeasured.

BDOC_pct = BDOC as a percent of the DOC concentration, as a percentage. A value is a number with 1 decimal place and blank if unmeasured.
Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
Sites are described in Sebestyen et al. (2011).

Sebestyen, Stephen D.; Dorrance, Carrie; Olson, Donna M.; Verry, Elon S.; Kolka, Randall K.; Elling, Art E.; Kyllander, Richard. 2011. Long-term monitoring sites and trends at the Marcell Experimental Forest. In: Kolka, Randall K.; Sebestyen, Stephen D.; Verry, Elon S.; Brooks,Kenneth N., eds. Peatland biogeochemistry and watershed hydrology at the Marcell Experimental Forest. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press: 15-71. https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/37979
Overview_Description:
Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
This data publication also contains the supplemental files described below.

\Supplements\MEF_S2_S6_map.jpg: JPG file containing a map of the S2 and S6 catchments at Marcell Experimental Forest along with the locations of meteorological stations, weirs, rain gauges, etc.


\Supplements\S2_S6_SiteLocations.csv: Comma-delimited ASCII text file containing a list of study sites on the Marcell Experimental Forest along with the location and infrastructure found at the site. NOTE: this file contains site locations for many studies on the MEF - not just the water chemistry data. Variables are described below.

CATCHMENT = catchment: S2 or S6 corresponding to research catchments on the Marcell Experimental Forest.

SITE = the name used to document a site location. For chemistry samples, the name identifies the site name on field data sheets, sample storage containers, laboratory logs, data storage spreadsheets, and a chemistry database.

TYPE = for samples, TYPE indicates the water (bog, lagg, overland flow = OF, shallow subsurface stormflow = SSF, or stream) that was collected at the site. TYPE is left blank when the site was physical infrastructure where long-term monitoring measurements were made.

INFRASTRUCTURE = INFRASTRUCTURE describes the field collection equipment/infrastructure. For samples, INFRASTRUCTURE values are "open pool", "piezometer," "runoff plots," "standing water," or "weir." INFRASTRUCTURE for long-term monitoring of weather and runoff (stream, OF, or SSF) includes "bog well", "recording rain gauge", "standard rain gauge", "runoff plots", and "weir".

COORDINATE.SYSTEM = horizontal control datum for the United States.

EASTING = distance northward in the NAD 83 coordinate system.

NORTHING = distance eastward in the NAD 83 coordinate system.

LONGITUDE = the angular distance in decimal degrees north or south of the meridian at Greenwich, England.

LATITUDE = the angular distance in decimal degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England.


\Supplements\SourceArea_comparison.pdf: Adobe Acrobat PDF/a file containing a figure showing a comparison of pH by catchment (stream, bog, lag, OF, and SSF) and year (2009, 2010, and 2011) for two peatland catchments at the Marcell Experimental Forest with a deciduous upland forest (S2) and coniferous upland forest (S6).

\Supplements\TOC-DOC_comparison.pdf: Adobe Acrobat PDF/a file containing a figure demonstrating the correlations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and TOC in stream, OF, and SSF at various research sites at the Marcell Experimental Forest.

\Supplements\TOC-NPOC_comparison.pdf: Adobe Acrobat PDF/a file containing a figure demonstrating the correlations of TOC in stream, bog, lagg, soil waters, OF, and SSF measured using the TC-IC and nPOC methods at various research sites at the Marcell Experimental Forest.
Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
Sites are described in Sebestyen et al. (2011).

Sebestyen, Stephen D.; Dorrance, Carrie; Olson, Donna M.; Verry, Elon S.; Kolka, Randall K.; Elling, Art E.; Kyllander, Richard. 2011. Long-term monitoring sites and trends at the Marcell Experimental Forest. In: Kolka, Randall K.; Sebestyen, Stephen D.; Verry, Elon S.; Brooks,Kenneth N., eds. Peatland biogeochemistry and watershed hydrology at the Marcell Experimental Forest. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press: 15-71. https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/37979
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Contact_Person: Stephen D. Sebestyen
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Contact_Position: Research Hydrologist
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Address: Forestry Sciences Lab, 1831 HWY 169 E
City: Grand Rapids
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Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: stephen.sebestyen@usda.gov
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