Applications of CSIA in Water

There are many different biological (e.g., algae, bacteria and macrophytes) and anthropogenic (storm water, industrial waste) sources of aquatic organics and the exact identity of the main precursors of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) often remains ambiguous. Different organic species can also impact water system to different degrees at different times. Identification of the major organic inputs to source water is crucial for catchment and reservoir strategies aimed at minimising organic loads. Such knowledge may also optimise holistic treatment protocols with respect to efficient DOC removal. Stable isotope analysis is a useful method for distinguishing the different organic inputs of natural environments.