ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on behavior of river carbon species and their alteration by human activities. Carbon behavior can be studied through multiple aspects as concentrations vs. river specific discharge, seasonal variations, lake inlet-outlet comparisons, longitudinal profiles in river main course, trends, and relationship with total suspended solids. In eutrophied and polluted river systems such as the Seine River the organic carbon can also be modeled through a multi-process approach considering both carbon production and respiration within the hydrological network. Water bodies play a complex role in carbon transfers particularly for organic carbon. Waterbodies influence on carbon levels can be contradictory and must be carefully established in all basins. The input of organic matter from domestic and industrial wastewater to rivers is generally known as “organic pollution” but the term carbonaceous pollution is preferred to avoid confusion with organic toxic substances.
