Diffuse contribution of organic matter in the Mata dos Cocais Forest, Brazil

Abstract The diffuse contribution of organic matter to rivers, originated by natural weathering, impacts water quality and its monitoring and assessment are essential for hydro-environmental public policies. Yet, this information is unavailable for the Mata dos Cocais, an ecotone that links the Amazon, Caatinga and Cerrado biomes in Brazil. The experiments were carried during 12 months in the 3.53-km downstream reach of the 1540-km² Saco River basin. Mata dos Cocais receives large quantities of organic matter (0.261 mgBOD.L− 1km− 2; 1.22 mgBOD.L− 1km− 1). This outcome is similar to those of other tropical forests in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Brazilian Cerrado.