Distribution and composition of organic carbon in the Tana River Basin, (Kenya)

Few studies have quantified carbon fluxes in African tropical rivers. We report the altitudinal and seasonal patterns in carbon pools and their stable isotope composition from the River Basin (Kenya). Data from February 2008 (end of dry season), September-November 2009 (short rains), and June-July 2010 (end of long rains) are presented. Seasonal data from January 2009-March 2010 are also presented. A consistent downstream increase in TSM was observed during all three sampling campaigns. TSM values were similar for 2008 and 2010 datasets (p>0.05), but significantly higher during the short rains in 2009. δ13C-POC increased downstream (p