Carbon (or "organic") materials (such as insecticides, herbicides, and other agricultural chemicals) enter waterways in rainfall runoff. Not only are many of these materials toxic themselves, but as they break down, dissolved oxygen levels can decrease to the point where they no longer support aquatic life.
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Water Quality
Carbon:
Carbon is a major component of organic molecules, which are the building blocks of all organisms. Carbon is the base of all hydrocarbons including oil, gas, diesel, and some solvents (ref).
Total Organic Carbon:
Organic matter plays a major role in aquatic systems. It affects biogeochemical processes, nutrient cycling, biological availability, chemical transport and interactions. It also has direct implications in the planning of wastewater treatment and drinking water treatment. Organic matter content is typically measured as total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon, which are essential components of the carbon cycle (ref).