ABSTRACT:

This dataset contains major ion concentrations and associated metadata from 63 temperate streams in southeastern Australia, sampled between November and December 2023 under baseflow conditions. The dataset includes concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-, and NO3-, along with site metadata (ID, date, time, geographic coordinates) and catchment-scale metrics such as upstream reach length. Bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentrations were estimated from measured DIC and pH using temperature-dependent carbonate equilibrium relationships. Ionic balance errors (BI) ranged from approximately 1% to 28% (median of 12%). To reduce charge imbalance, a constrained optimization approach (L-BFGS-B algorithm) was applied to adjust SO42-, Cl-, and NO3- concentrations. Optimized ion concentrations and post-correction ionic balance (BI_opt) are included.

ABSTRACT:

The Australian Riverine Carbon (OzRiCa) database is the first national-scale compilation of riverine carbon (C) observations across Australia. It integrates data from 64 publications, two theses, five government agencies, and newly published datasets. The database includes concentrations, stable isotopes, and gas emissions of C dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), dissolved inorganic C (DIC), dissolved organic C (DOC), and particulate organic C (POC). Where available, it also incorporates water quality parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen) and geomorphological features (catchment area, stream or river depth and width, slope, gas exchange coefficient, flow rate, and flow velocity). Spanning 1966 to 2024, the dataset encompasses both long-term monitoring and single observations. OzRiCa provides comprehensive coverage of Australia’s major river basins, with a strong representation of low-order streams. Data were collected through field campaigns, government monitoring programs, and literature synthesis. This dataset serves as a valuable resource for understanding spatial and temporal patterns in riverine C dynamics, supporting research on C fluxes, emissions, and ecosystem processes in Australian freshwater systems.