articleEnvironmental Science & TechnologyOct 21, 2025Closed access

Fluvial Dissolved Organic Matter Quality Modulates Microbial Nitrate Transformation: Enhanced Denitrification under Low Carbon-to-Nitrate Ratio

Hohai University · Ministry of Ecology and Environment · +6 more institutions

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Abstract

Dissolved organic matter (DOM), particularly the molar ratio of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to NO3– plays a crucial role in shaping fluvial microbial NO3– transformation processes. However, the underlying mechanisms involving microbial genes remain poorly unexplored. To address this gap, six sampling campaigns were conducted in the Qingshui River, northwest China. Samples from different temporal and spatial points were categorized into three groups based on DOC:NO3– values: low (L, 3.13). Surprisingly, despite stoichiometric models suggesting that low DOC:NO3– suppresses denitrification, our results showed the highest median abundances of denitrification genes in group L, followed by M and H. Isotope…

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