Particulate organic carbon in San Francisco Bay, California, 1971-1977

The organic-carbon content of suspended particulate matter is determined by wet oxidation and analysis of the resulting CO₂ with an infrared analyzer. Modifications of methods and improved designs of apparatus are presented.

Results of particulate organic carbon (POC) analyses from 1971 through 1977 show that concentrations in North San Francisco Bay (estuary) typically decrease from the delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers to Golden Gate (seaward). Median winter (November through February) concentrations decrease from 85 to 30 µg-at./L seaward. During March through October, median concentrations are higher and ranges are wider. Concentrations frequently exceed 250 µg-at./L in the upper estuary.

POC concentrations in South San Francisco Bay are highest at the southern reach. POC is more abundant during March through October than during winter, but POC is not as abundant in South San Francisco Bay as it is in the estuary.