Aromatic character is used in the study of dissolved organic matter, from mineral soils, or organic soils, to use as an assay to whether or not dissolved organic carbon in the water is labile, a ready source of energy, or is from a relatively old source of carbon (recalcitrant).
The aromatic properties play a crucial role in determining whether dissolved organic carbon in water can be easily utilized as an energy source or originates from a more ancient, less degradable carbon source.