This study examines the relationship between depositional environment and sedimentary organic geochemistry in Lake Malawi, East Africa, and evaluates the relative significance of the various processes that control sedimentary organic matter (OM) in lacustrine systems. Total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations in recent sediments from Lake Malawi range from 0.01 to 8.80 wt% and average 2.83 wt% for surface sediments and 2.35 wt% for shallow core sediments. Hydrogen index (HI) values as determined by Rock-Eval pyrolysis range from 0 to 756 mg HC g −1 TOC and average 205 mg HC g −1 TOC for surface sediments and 228 mg HC g −1 TOC for shallow core samples. On average, variations in primary productivity throughout the lake may account for ~33% of the TOC content in Lake Malawi sediments (as much as 1 wt% TOC), and have little or no impact on sedimentary HI values. Similarly, ~33% to 66% of the variation in TOC content in Lake Malawi sediments appears to be controlled by anoxic preservation of OM (~1–2 wt% TOC), although some component of the water depth–TOC relationship may be due to physical sediment transport processes. Furthermore, anoxic preservation has a minimal effect on HI values in Lake Malawi sediments. Dilution of OM by inorganic sediment may account for ~16% of variability in TOC content in Lake Malawi sediments (~0.5 wt% TOC). The effect of inputs of terrestrial sediment on the organic character of surface sediments in these lakes is highly variable, and appears to be more closely related to the local depositional environment than the regional flux of terrestrial OM. Total nitrogen and TOC content in surface sediments collected throughout the lake are found to be highly correlated (r 2 = 0.95), indicating a well-homogenized source of OM to the lake bottom. The recurring suspension and deposition of terrestrial sediment may account for significant amounts of OM deposited in offshore regions of the lake. This process effectively separates denser inorganic sediment from less dense OM and allows terrestrial OM to preferentially be transported farther offshore. The conclusion is that for the organic carbon content in these regions to be elevated a mixed terrestrial-lacustrine origin is required. The hydrodynamic separation of mineral and organic constituents is most pronounced in regions with shallow bathymetric gradients, consistent with previous findings from Lake Tanganyika.

A geochemical investigation (major cations and anions, stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen, pH, and salinity) was conducted to identify the sources of groundwater recharge to the surficial aquifer system in Everglades National Park. The weighted mean values of δ 18 O and δD of rainfall were −2.83‰ and −10.59‰, respectively. A mean deuterium excess value of 12 suggests that evaporation of Everglades surface water contributes between 7% and 12% to the local precipitation. Most shallow groundwater in the surficial aquifer system (<28 m) is recharged throughout the year by Everglades surface water and or canal water exposed to evaporation. Recharge rates between 2 cm/yr and 12 cm/yr were obtained, with the higher rates in areas of little to no standing water. Deep groundwater in the surficial aquifer system (>28 m) is recharged directly from rainfall far upgradient of the northern boundary of Everglades National Park. Groundwater from the underlying Hawthorn Group is geochemically distinct from the surficial aquifer system and recharges the surficial aquifer system from below. There is no geochemical evidence of surface water or shallow groundwater flow between the two major waterways (Shark Slough and Taylor Slough) in Everglades National Park. In this investigation, a combination of stable isotopes (δ 18 O and δD) and major-ion data was necessary to identify different sources of groundwater recharge to the karst aquifer. The stable isotopes (δ 18 O and δD) were most useful in deciphering between rainfall and surface-water recharge to the shallow aquifer, whereas the major-ion data were used to identify recharge from deeper aquifers and seawater intrusion.