DOC

Dissolved Organic Content

This is the organic matter that of size between 0.7um and 0.22 um.  The water sample  is normally filtered prior to measurement to remove  particulate (undisolved content) leaving only the smaller particles. Organic carbon compounds are the result of decomposition of dead organic matter which includes both plants and animals.

DOC can be autochthonous  DOC meaning it originates from within the water and, DOC from land originating from the land is called allochthonous DOC .  When water originates from land areas with a high proportion of organics, these can run-off into freshwater bodies  as DOC

Organic matter contributes acids to water, resulting in the yellow-brown coloration as well as weathering the soils. 

High amounts of organic matter are common in low oxygen areas, such as bogs and wetlands. This is a crucial component in water monitoring