Variability of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in three freshwater-influenced systems along central-southern Chile

•Optical properties of dissolved organic matter were used for identifying different CDOM pools in coastal areas of contrasting stratification and freshwater input conditions.•Marked differences were found for a325, SCDOM, and SR within and among each of the three zones, although surface DOC concentrations remained constant at all sites.•In stratified systems, freshwater inputs determine the distribution of surface CDOM while in well-mixed conditions, the in situ production determine the general CDOM concentration.