ABSTRACT
Peatlands are ecosystems with high carbon stocks that can be under the influence of both tidal and fresh water swamps. Whereas mineral content is usually low in tidal peat, it can be rather high in the peat of fresh water swampland. The presence of minerals has an effect on the humic acid content and the amount of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) in the system. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of DOC in peatlands of tidal and fresh water swampland. The study was conducted by a survey method, followed by field sampling of the soil and water. The study was carried out in Jabiren Village, Central Kalimantan Province (tidal land) and Pulau Damar Village, South Kalimantan Province (fresh water swampland). Water samples were taken from the upper and middle surface level of the water source. Dissolved organic concentrations were measured by thermo-catalytic oxidation on a TOC-VCPN Analyzer (Shimadzu). Humic acid content is determined based on the difference in peat maturity degree with using a gravimetric instrument. The results showed that DOC in fresh water swampland was lower (about 37%) compared to tidal land. The lower end of the DOC concentration can also be caused by the formation process and origin of peat material, peat thickness and peat maturity degree. Besides the loss of carbon as a gas, knowledge of dissolved organic carbon is required as one of the parameters of carbon loss in an ecosystem. Recently, peatlands have been used for many different purposes, which has resulted in being drawn to issues relating to the environment. Peatlands can be productive agricultural lands if with the proper method is utilized. One such method is water management. The application of canal blocking in drainage channels has the effect of reducing the aerobic decomposition of peat and DOC production, thus lowering DOC concentration.
