Isotopic evidence of nitrate sources and denitrification in the Mississippi River, Illinois

Identification of groundwater nitrate sources in an urban aquifer (Alborz Province, Iran) using a multi-parameter approach

High concentrations of NO3̄ in water resources are detrimental to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. Identification of NO3̄ sources and biogeochemical processes is a crucial step in managing and controlling NO3̄ pollution. In this study, land use, hydrochemical data, dual stable isotopic ratios and Bayesian Stable Isotope Mixing Models (BSIMM) were integrated to identify NO3̄ sources and estimate their proportional contributions to the contamination of the Karaj Urban Aquifer (Iran). Elevated NO3̄ concentrations indicated a severe NO3̄ pollution, with 39 and 52% of groundwater (GW) samples displaying the concentrations of NO3̄ in exceedance of the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 50 mg NO3̄ L-1 in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Dual stable isotopes inferred that urban sewage is the main NO3̄ source in the Karaj Plain. The diagram of NO3̄/Cl‾ versus Cl‾ confirmed that municipal sewage is the major source of NO3̄. Results also showed that biogeochemical nitrogen dynamics are mainly influenced by nitrification, while denitrification is minimal. The BSIMM model suggested that NO3̄ originated predominantly from urban sewage (78.2%), followed by soil organic nitrogen (12.2%), and chemical fertilizer (9.5%) in the dry season. In the wet season, the relative contributions of urban sewage, soil nitrogen and chemical fertilizer were 87.5, 6.7, and 5.5%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis for the BSIMM modeling indicates that the isotopic signatures of sewage had the major impact on the overall GW NO3̄ source apportionment. The findings provide important insights for local authorities to support effective and sustainable GW resources management in the Karaj Urban Aquifer. It also demonstrates that employing Bayesian models combined with multi-parameters can improve the accuracy of NO3̄ source identification.

Mechanism of denitrification in subsurface-dammed Ryukyu limestone aquifer, southern Okinawa Island, Japan

Denitrification crucially regulates the attenuation of groundwater nitrate and is unlikely to occur in a fast-flowing aquifer such as the Ryukyu limestone aquifer in southern Okinawa Island, Japan. However, evidences of denitrification have been observed in several wells within this region. This study analyzed environmental isotopes (δ15NNO3 and ẟ18ONO3) to derive the rationale for denitrification at this site. Additionally, the presence of two subsurface dams in the study area may influence the processes involved in nitrate attenuation. Herein, we analyzed 150 groundwater samples collected spatially and seasonally to characterize the variations in the groundwater chemistry and stable isotopes during denitrification. The values of δ15NNO3 and δ18ONO3 displayed a progressive trend up to +59.7 ‰ and + 21 ‰, respectively, whereas the concentrations of NO3--N decreased to 0.1 mg L-1. In several wells, the enrichment factors of δ15NNO3 ranged from -6.6 to -2.1, indicating rapid denitrification, and the δ15NNO3 to δ18ONO3 ratios varied from 1.3:1 to 2:1, confirming the occurrence of denitrification. Denitrification intensively proceeds under conditions of depleted dissolved oxygen concentrations (<2 mg L-1), sluggish groundwater flow with longer residence times, high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (>1.2 mg L-1), and low groundwater levels during the dry season with precipitation rates of <100 mm per month (Jun-Sep). SF6 analysis indicated the exclusive occurrence of denitrification in specific wells with groundwater residence times exceeding 30 years. These wells are located in close proximity to the major NE-SW fault system in the Komesu area, where the hydraulic gradient was below 0.005. Detailed geological and lithological investigations based on borehole data revealed that subsurface dams did not cause denitrification while the major NE-SW fault system uplifted the impermeable basement rock of the Shimajiri Group, creating a lithological gap at an equivalent depth that ultimately formed a sluggish groundwater area, promoting denitrification.

Multiple stable isotopic approaches for tracing nitrate contamination sources: Implications for nitrogen management in complex watersheds

Nitrate (NO3-) contamination of surface water is a global environmental problem that has serious consequences for watershed ecosystems and endangers human health. It is crucial to identify influences of different sources of NO3-, especially the incoming water from upper reaches. A combination of hydrochemistry and multi-isotope tracers (δ11B, δ15N-NO3-, and δ18O-NO3-) were used to determine NO3- sources and their transformation the North Jiulong River (NJLR), Southeast China. The findings revealed that NO3-, which accounted for an average of 87.1% of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), was the main chemical form of nitrogen species. The integration of dual stable isotopes of NO3-, δ11B, and hydrochemistry showed that NO3- was primarily contributed by sewage, soil nitrogen (SN), and ammonium (NH4+) via precipitation or fertilizers. The contributions from the sewage and soil nitrate source were almost equivalent and much higher than those from other sources in the NJLR watershed. The contributions from diverse sources varied seasonally and spatially. Manure and sewage (M&S) were the leading sources in the summer and autumn, accounting for 60.9 ± 8.5% and 47.3 ± 7.9%, respectively. However, NO3- fertilizers were the predominant source in the spring and winter. The NO3- inflow from upper reaches was proposed as an additional end-member to identify its contribution in the midstream and downstream in this study. The contributions of NO3- from the upper reaches were significant sources in the midstream and downstream, accounting for 27.2 ± 17.8% and 42.9 ± 21.9%, respectively. The obvious decline in local NO3-contribution shares from midstream to downstream implied structural changes in pollutant sources and regional environmental responsibility. Therefore, tracing nitrate sources and quantifying their contributions is critical for clarifying environmental responsibilities for precise local nitrogen management in watersheds.

Identification and apportionment of groundwater nitrate sources in Chakari Plain (Afghanistan)

The Chakari alluvial aquifer is the primary source of water for human, animal, and irrigation applications. In this study, the geochemistry of major ions and stable isotope ratios (δ2H-H2O, δ18O-H2O, δ15N-NO3̄, and δ18O-NO3̄) of groundwater and river water samples from the Chakari Plain were analyzed to better understand characteristics of nitrate. Herein, we employed nitrate isotopic ratios and BSIMM modeling to quantify the proportional contributions of major sources of nitrate pollution in the Chakari Plain. The cross-plot diagram of δ15N-NO3̄ against δ18O-NO3̄ suggests that manure and sewage are the main source of nitrate in the plain. Nitrification is the primary biogeochemical process, whereas denitrification did not have a significant influence on biogeochemical nitrogen dynamics in the plain. The results of this study revealed that the natural attenuation of nitrate in groundwater of Chakari aquifer is negligible. The BSIMM results indicate that nitrate originated mainly from sewage and manure (S&M, 75‰), followed by soil nitrogen (SN, 13‰), and chemical fertilizers (CF, 9.5‰). Large uncertainties were shown in the UI90 values for S&M (0.6) and SN (0.47), whereas moderate uncertainty was exhibited in the UI90 value for CF (0.29). The findings provide useful insights for decision makers to verify groundwater pollution and develop a sustainable groundwater management strategy.

Spatiotemporal variability and control factors of NO3- in a polluted karst water system of an agricultural wetland in South China

Nitrate (NO₃^-) pollution in karst water is an important environmental issue in intensive agricultural regions worldwide. The integrated understanding of the spatiotemporal variability and control factors of NO₃^- pollution in karst water is imperative for controlling the diffuse pollution caused by agricultural activities. In this study, 49 water samples were collected from surface water (SW) and groundwater (GW) in the Huixian karst wetland (HKW) and analyzed using hydrogeochemical and isotopic data (δ¹⁸O-NO₃^-, δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹³C_DIC) in combination with a Bayesian mixing model to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution and control factors in NO₃^--polluted karst water. The results showed that approximately 40.82% of the karst water samples exceeded the natural threshold value of 3 mg/L for NO₃^--N, and 32.14% of the GW samples exceeded the permissible limit for drinking water established by WHO (10 mg/L as NO₃^--N), indicating that high levels of NO₃^- were mainly found in GW samples from the agricultural core area, especially in the dry season. The NH₄⁺-synthetic fertilizer (NHF) and soil organic nitrogen (SON) were the dominant factors controlling pollution sources in the HKW, accounting for 36.13% ± 4.66% and 28.68% ± 4.75% of the karst GW NO₃^- concentration, respectively. However, the seasonal differences in NO₃^- pollution sources were not significant in GW. Microbial nitrification was the main process affecting the NO₃^- levels in GW, whereas the occurrence of denitrification did not significantly affect NO₃^- concentration in the HKW due to the relatively low rate. Moreover, the HNO₃ produced from NH₄⁺ via microbial nitrification facilitated carbonate weathering, thereby controlling NO₃^- enrichment in karst GW. Our results suggest that NHF should be controlled to prevent further GW pollution in the HKW. Our study also provides a scientific basis for understanding the factors controlling the NO₃^- concentrations in karst water systems.

Isotopic and hydrochemical analyses reveal nitrogen source variation and enhanced nitrification in a managed peri-urban watershed

Watershed management practices (WMPs) alter the sources and transformation of reactive nitrogen (N) in peri-urban watersheds, but a precise description of how WMPs impact N cycling is still lacking. In this study, four sampling campaigns were conducted in the wet and dry seasons of 2019 (before WMPs) and 2020 (after WMPs) to determine the spatiotemporal variations in nitrate isotopes (¹⁵N-NO₃^- and ¹⁸O-NO₃^-) and hydrochemical compositions in the Muli River watershed. The results showed that the WMPs could significantly reduce the N load in the middle and lower reaches, but substantial improvements were not observed in 2020. Manure and sewage (M&S, 36.2 ± 15.8-55.0 ± 19.4%) was the major source of nitrate (NO₃^-) in the stream water, followed by smaller-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs, 14.0 ± 10.9-25.6 ± 11.5%). The WMPs were effective in controlling M&S, resulting in an approximately 16.7% (p < 0.01) lower M&S contribution during the dry season in 2020 compared to that in 2019. However, the smaller-scale WWTP input increased by approximately 5.4% (p < 0.01) after the WMPs. During the study period, the assimilation of NO₃^- by phytoplankton was important for NO₃^- loss, but the WMPs promoted nitrification in the watershed because of the elevated redox potential (Eh). Overall, the present study provides a better estimate of the variations in nitrogen sources and transformation in a peri-urban watershed after WMPs and provides an approach for developing timely nitrogen management solutions.

Migration, transformation and nitrate source in the Lihu Underground River based on dual stable isotopes of δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022;29:48661-48674. [PMID: 35195868 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19277-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Nitrate (NO₃^-) pollution is a common phenomenon in karst underground rivers, which are important water sources in karst landscapes. For drinking water safety and environmental protection, it is crucial to accurately identify NO₃^- sources and their migration and transformation processes in the Lihu Underground River. In this study, water samples of the Lihu Underground River in Guangxi were collected in May 2014, October 2014, January 2015, and July 2015, and water chemical and dual isotopic (δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^-) approaches were used to evaluate the NO₃^- characteristics and sources in the Lihu Underground River. The concentration of NO₃^- in the Lihu Underground River ranged from 1.16 to 19.78 mg·L^-1, with an average of 9.30 mg·L^-1, which is more than 37% of the WHO standard (10 mg·L^-1). The concentrations of NO₃^- in the wet season (May 2014 and July 2015) were slightly lower than those in the dry season (from October 2014 to January 2015) at most sampling sites due to dilution effects. The migration and transformation processes of NO₃^- were analyzed by comparing the measured and calculated concentrations of NO₃^- in the Lihu Underground River. In the dry season (from October 2014 to January 2015), the variation in NO₃^- concentration upstream and midstream of the Lihu Underground River was affected by exogenous input and nitrification. From midstream to the outlet of Xiaolongdong, it is affected by self-purification factors, including physical processes, chemical processes, and biological processes. In the wet season (May 2014 and July 2015), the dilution and mixing effects were the main factors controlling the variation in NO₃^- concentration in the Lihu Underground River. The contribution rates of potential NO₃^- sources (incl. atmospheric precipitation (AP), NO₃^- fertilizer (NF), NH₄⁺ in fertilizer and rainfall (NFA), soil organic nitrogen (SON), and manure and sewage (M&S)) were quantitatively evaluated by using the IsoSource model. The results showed that in May 2014, the main sources of NO₃^- were M&S and NF, with contribution rates of 46% and 41%, respectively. In October 2014, NO₃^- sources were M&S with a contribution rate of 47%, followed by NFA with a contribution rate of 31%. In January 2015, NO₃^- sources in groundwater were M&S, with a contribution rate of 53%, followed by NFA (34%). In July 2015, the main NO₃^- sources were M&S and NF, whose contribution rates were 54% and 39%, respectively.

Determining nitrate pollution sources in the Kabul Plain aquifer (Afghanistan) using stable isotopes and Bayesian stable isotope mixing model

The Kabul urban aquifer (Afghanistan), which is the main source of drinking water for Kabul city's inhabitants, is highly vulnerable to anthropogenic pollution. In this study, the geochemistry of major ions (including reactive nitrogen species such as NO₃^-, NO₂-, and NH₄⁺) and stable isotope ratios (δ¹⁵N-NO₃^-, δ¹⁸O-NO₃^-, δ¹⁸O-H₂O, and δ²H-H₂O) of surface and groundwater samples from the Kabul Plain were analyzed over two sampling periods (dry and wet seasons). A Bayesian stable isotope mixing model (BSIMM) was also employed to trace potential nitrate sources, transformation processes, and proportional contributions of nitrate sources in the Kabul aquifer. The plotting of δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- against δ¹⁸O-NO₃̄ (δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^- values ranged from +4.8 to +25.4‰ and from -11.7 to +18.6‰, respectively) suggests that NO₃^- primarily originated from the nitrification of sewage rather than artificial fertilizer. The plotting of δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- versus NO₃^-/Cl^- ratios also supported the assumption that sewage is the dominant nitrate source. The results indicate that denitrification did not influence the NO₃^- isotopic composition in the Kabul aquifer. The BSIMM model suggests that nitrate in the dry season originated mainly from sewage (~81%), followed by soil organic N (10.5%), and chemical fertilizer (8.5%). In the wet season, sewage (~87.5%), soil organic N (6.7%), and chemical fertilizer (5.8%) were the main sources of NO₃^- in the Kabul aquifer. Effective land management measures should be taken to improve the sewage collection system in the Kabul Plain.

Application of the hydrochemistry, stable isotopes and MixSIAR model to identify nitrate sources and transformations in surface water and groundwater of an intensive agricultural karst wetland in Guilin, China

Karst water as the vital water supply source is generally suffered from NO₃^- contamination in intensive agricultural areas worldwide. Identifying NO₃^- sources and transformations is the key for understanding nitrogen pathways, and also for effectively controlling diffuse NO₃^- pollution. In this study, chemical variables and stable isotopes (δ²H-H₂O, δ¹⁸O-H₂O, δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^-) were measured in 10 surface water (SW) samples and 13 groundwater (GW) samples collected from the Huixian karst wetland, with the application of a Bayesian stable isotope mixing model (MixSIAR) to identified NO₃^- sources and biogeochemical transformations. The results showed that the NO₃^- concentrations ranged from the below detection limit to 117 mg/L, with 30.8% of GW samples obtained from the north central part of the study area exceeding the maximum permissible limit for drinking water, and posing significant non-carcinogenic health risks for native people through drinking water pathway. Moreover, based on characteristics of the hydrochemistry and stable isotopes, different biogeochemical fates were evaluated in SW and GW: nitrification process was a dominant factor in GW, as a result of high NO₃^- levels, and this microbial process was unlikely occurred in SW associated with relatively anaerobic condition and low NO₃^- levels; however, the denitrification might not be a main process of degradation NO₃^- levels throughout the study area. The MixSIAR outputs revealed that the long-term application of synthetic NH₄⁺ fertilizer (36.6%) and soil organic nitrogen (28.0%) were the main contributors to NO₃^- pollution, followed by synthetic NO₃^- fertilizer (16.8%) and domestic sewage and manure (15.1%), whereas NO₃^- in precipitation (3.44%) played a less important role. Additionally, NO₃^- concentration was significantly influenced by agricultural activities rather than NO₃^- source's contribution between SW and GW. This work suggests that synthetic NH₄⁺ fertilizer should be the primary target for control to prevent further NO₃^- pollution of the karst groundwater.

Tracking nitrate sources in agricultural-urban watershed using dual stable isotope and Bayesian mixing model approach: Considering N transformation by Lagrangian sampling

A dual isotopes approach and the Bayesian isotope mixing model were applied to trace nitrogen pollution sources and to quantify their relative contribution to river water quality. We focused on two points to enhance the applicability of the method: 1) Direct measurement on the end-members to distinguish "sewage" and "manure" which used to be grouped in one pollution source as their isotope ranges overlap; 2) The Lagrangian sampling method was applied to consider the transport of nitrogen pollutants in a long river so that any fractionation process can be dealt with in the given Bayesian modeling framework. The results of the analysis confirmed the NO₃^- isotope composition in the river of interest to be within the range of NO₃^- with origins in "NH₄⁺ in fertilizer", "Soil N", and "Manure and sewage" pollution. This suggests that nitrogen pollution is mostly attributed to anthropogenic sources. The δ¹⁸O _NO3 value follows the range +2.5∼+15.0‰, implying that NO₃^- in the river is mainly derived from nitrification, and possible nitrification in groundwater or waterfront other than surface water. The ratio of the concentration of δ¹⁵N _NO3 to that of δ¹⁸O _NO3, and the corresponding regression equation indicates that the denitrification effect in surface water was insignificant during the study period. From the results of the contribution ratio of each source, improving the water quality of the discharge from the sewage treatment plants was proved to be the key factor to reduce nitrogen pollution in the river.

Identification of nitrate sources in the Jing River using dual stable isotopes, Northwest China

Nitrate (NO₃^-) contamination has become a dominant international problem in the aquatic environment, so identifying the sources and transformations of NO₃^- is the basis for improving water quality. Since the Jing River is the largest tributary of the Wei River, to understand its water quality, this study collected surface water samples from the Shaanxi section of the Jing River during the dry season. The potential sources of NO₃^- were analyzed by hydrochemical and bi-isotopic methods, and the SIAR model was used to estimate the proportional contribution of each source. Results indicated that NO₃^--N was the main form of inorganic nitrogen in this area, and the average total nitrogen content was 10.23 mg·L^-1, which showed that nitrogen pollution was highly serious; the transformation process of nitrogen in this study area was mainly nitrification; The results of Bayesian model showed that manure and sewage contributed to the most NO₃^- (64.39%) in the dry season, followed by soil nitrogen, which was 26.35%. These results help to adopt better nitrogen management measures to meet the national environmental quality standards for surface water.

Research Advances in the Analysis of Nitrate Pollution Sources in a Freshwater Environment Using δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021;18:ijerph182211805. [PMID: 34831560 PMCID: PMC8623930 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211805]

Nitrate is usually the main pollution factor in the river water and groundwater environment because it has the characteristics of stable properties, high solubility and easy migration. In order to ensure the safety of water supply and effectively control nitrate pollution, it is very important to accurately identify the pollution sources of nitrate in freshwater environment. At present, as the most accurate source analysis method, isotope technology is widely used to identify the pollution sources of nitrate in water environment. However, the complexity of nitrate pollution sources and nitrogen migration and transformation in the water environment, coupled with the isotopic fractionation, has changed the nitrogen and oxygen isotopic values of nitrate in the initial water body, resulting in certain limitations in the application of this technology. This review systematically summarized the typical δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^- ranges of NO₃^- sources, described the progress in the application of isotope technique to identify nitrate pollution sources in water environment, analyzed the application of isotope technique in identifying the migration and transformation of nitrogen in water environment, and introduced the method of quantitative source apportionment. Lastly, we discussed the deficiency of isotope technique in nitrate pollution source identification and described the future development direction of the pollution source apportionment of nitrate in water environment.

Climatic and anthropogenic driving forces of the nitrogen cycling in a subtropical river basin

To date, basin-scale understanding of nitrogen (N) cycling is lacking, which undermines riverine N pollution control efforts. Applying a multiple-isotopic approach, this study provided insights into the impacts of climate and anthropogenic activities on the N cycling at a basin scale. The isotopic compositions of the river water were regulated by a simple mixing process in winter, while unconservative processes (nitrification and denitrification) occurred in warm seasons. Denitrification dominated the N transformations in summer, while coupled nitrification-denitrification in soils after fertilization was responsible for the isotopic fractionations in spring and autumn. While at least 58.7% of the nitrate (NO₃^-) was removed from the basin, the NO₃^- loadings in the river remained high, suggesting that the ecosystem services could not balance the anthropogenic pollution. After correcting the isotopic fractionations, the sources of the riverine NO₃^- were quantified by a Markov chain Monte Carlo isotope mixing model. The contributions of point sources versus non-point sources changed dynamically with the precipitation and fertilization patterns. In summer and autumn, the soil organic N and chemical fertilizer dominated the riverine NO₃^-, with total contributions of 75.9% and 74.6%, respectively. The contributions from sewage and manure significantly increased during spring (47.9%) and winter (50.2%). Overall, the annual NO₃^- fluxes were from SON (28.7%), CF (28.1%), DS (18.2%), MA (23.9%), and AP (1.1%). In addition, we presented the large uncertainties in source apportionment that arose from the ignorance of isotope fractionations, highlighting the importance of considering the effect of isotopic fractionations in N source apportionment studies.

Spatiotemporal variations of nitrate sources and dynamics in a typical agricultural riverine system under monsoon climate

Nitrogen pollution is a serious environmental issue in the Danjiangkou Reservoir region (DRR), the water source of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project of China. In this research, seasonal surveys and a bi-weekly time series survey were conducted in the Qihe River Basin, one of the most densely populated agricultural basins in the DRR. Hydrochemical compositions (NO₃^- and Cl^-), dual isotopes (δD-H₂O, δ¹⁸O-H₂O, δ¹⁵N-NO₃^-, and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^-), and a Markov Chain Monte Carlo isotope mixing model were jointly applied to unravel the sources, migrations, and transformations of the nitrate (NO₃^-) in the basin. It was revealed that the mixing between different sources was the main process controlling the isotopic compositions of the riverine NO₃^- in the upper-middle reaches. In contrast, denitrification occurred in the lower reaches. For the first time, the sources of NO₃^- were quantified at a basin scale in the DRR. Overall, the river transported 484.2 tons/year of NO₃-N to the reservoir, of which 32.6%, 36.4%, 28.0%, and 3.0% was from soil organic nitrogen, chemical fertilizer, residential sewage and atmospheric precipitation, respectively. The NO₃-N fluxes of the different sources were regulated by the monsoon climate and anthropogenic activities. For example, high precipitation and intense fertilization resulted in severe nonpoint source pollution. Denitrification thrived in soils and reservoirs in wet seasons. Temperature could regulate the migration, nitrification and denitrification processes. Based on the results, we suggest that the management strategies dealing with nitrogen pollution issue in the DRR should follow the specific spatiotemporal characteristics of NO₃^- sources, migration and transformation mechanisms.

Land use controls Kenyan riverine nitrate discharge into Lake Victoria - evidence from Nyando, Nzoia and Sondu Miriu river catchments

Nitrate (NO₃^-) sources and discharge were investigated using isotope and hydrochemical analyses in three river catchments draining Lake Victoria basin, Kenya. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped Nyando, Nzoia and Sondu Miriu River stations into clusters corresponding to major land use classes of the catchments. Mixed agriculture (MA) in Nyando showed higher NO₃^- compared to the other land uses. Nitrate levels obtained (0.1-11.6 mg L^-1) are higher than those reported in previous studies. Hydrochemistry support isotope data indicating that ammonium-based fertilizers and soil N were the major NO₃^- sources in tea dominated areas with average δ¹⁵N (6.5 ± 1.3 ‰), δ¹⁸O (6.7 ± 2.3 ‰) values. Manure/sewage were the main source in MA areas with average δ¹⁵N (8.4 ± 2.4 ‰), δ¹⁸O (7.8 ± 5.4 ‰) values. Sewage was the likely source in urban, residential & industrial areas recording average δ¹⁵N (10.0 ± 2.4 ‰), δ¹⁸O (6.9 ± 3.7 ‰) values. δ¹⁵N between land uses were significantly different (p < 0.0001) while δ¹⁸O were similar (p = 0.4). Seasonally, inorganic/organic fertilizers influenced river NO₃^- mostly in the wet cropping season. Lower NO₃^- concentrations observed in Nyando and Sondu Miriu during dry or start-wet season could be a result of in situ denitrification.

Assessment of sources and transformation of nitrate in the alluvial-pluvial fan region of north China using a multi-isotope approach

A multi-isotope approach and mixing model were combined to identify spatial and seasonal variations of sources, and their proportional contribution to nitrate in the Hutuo River alluvial-pluvial fan region. The results showed that the NO₃^- concentration was significantly higher in the Hutuo River valley plain (178.7 mg/L) region than that in the upper and central pluvial fans of the Hutuo River (82.1 mg/L and 71.0 mg/L, respectively) and in the river (17.0 mg/L). Different land use types had no significant effect on the groundwater nitrate concentration. Based on a multi-isotope approach, we confirmed that the main sources of groundwater nitrate in different land use areas were domestic sewage and manure, followed by soil nitrogen, ammonia fertilizer, nitrate fertilizer and rainwater, and there were no significant spatial or seasonal variations. Combining δ¹⁵N-NO₃^-, δ¹⁸O-NO₃^- and δ³⁷Cl results can increase the accuracy of traceability. Nitrification could be the most important nitrogen migration and transformation process, and denitrification did not significantly affected the isotopic composition of the nitrate. The SIAR model outputs revealed that the main nitrate pollution sources in groundwater and river water were domestic sewage and manure, accounting for 55.9%-61.0% and 22.6% (dry season), 50.3%-60.4% and 34.1% (transition season), 42.7%-47.6% and 35.6% (wet season 2016) and 45.9%-46.7% and 38.4% (wet season 2017), respectively. This work suggests that the random discharge and disposal of domestic sewage and manure should be the first target for control in order to prevent further nitrate contamination of the water environment.

Megacity development and the demise of coastal coral communities: Evidence from coral skeleton δ15 N records in the Pearl River estuary

Historical coral skeleton (CS) δ¹⁸ O and δ¹⁵ N records were produced from samples recovered from sedimentary deposits, held in natural history museum collections, and cored into modern coral heads. These records were used to assess the influence of global warming and regional eutrophication, respectively, on the decline of coastal coral communities following the development of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) megacity, China. We find that, until 2007, ocean warming was not a major threat to coral communities in the Pearl River estuary; instead, nitrogen (N) inputs dominated impacts. The high but stable CS-δ¹⁵ N values (9‰-12‰ vs. air) observed from the mid-Holocene until 1980 indicate that soil and stream denitrification reduced and modulated the hydrologic inputs of N, blunting the rise in coastal N sources during the early phase of the Pearl River estuary urbanization. However, an unprecedented CS-δ¹⁵ N peak was observed from 1987 to 1993 (>13‰ vs. air), concomitant to an increase of NH₄⁺ concentration, consistent with the rapid Pearl River estuary urbanization as the main cause for this eutrophication event. We suggest that widespread discharge of domestic sewage entered directly into the estuary, preventing removal by natural denitrification hotspots. We argue that this event caused the dramatic decline of the Pearl River estuary coral communities reported from 1980 to 2000. Subsequently, the coral record shows that the implementation of improved wastewater management policies succeeded in bringing down both CS-δ¹⁵ N and NH₄⁺ concentrations in the early 2000s. This study points to the potential importance of eutrophication over ocean warming in coral decline along urbanized coastlines and in particular in the vicinity of megacities.

Tracing nitrate sources with a combined isotope approach (δ15NNO3, δ18ONO3 and δ11B) in a large mixed-use watershed in southern Alberta, Canada

Rapid population growth and land-use intensification over the last century have resulted in a substantial increase in nutrient loads degrading marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. In mixed-use watersheds, elevated nitrogen loads from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent or agricultural runoff often drive the eutrophication of waterways. Accordingly, the objective of this research was to identify sources of riverine nitrate (NO₃), a deleterious dissolved species of nitrogen, with a combined isotopic tracing technique in the Bow River and the Oldman River in Alberta, Canada. Riverine NO₃ and boron (B) concentrations, mean daily flux and δ¹⁵N_NO3, δ¹⁸O_NO3, and δ¹¹B values were determined at 17 mainstem sites during high and low discharge periods in 2014 and 2015. The data for mainstem sites were then compared to results for effluent from seven WWTPs, eight synthetic fertilizers, cow manure, and three predominantly agricultural tributary sites to estimate point and non-point NO₃ sources. The NO₃ flux, δ¹⁵N_NO3 and δ¹⁸O_NO3 values indicated the city of Calgary's Bonnybrook WWTP effluent accounts for the majority of the NO₃ flux in the Bow River downstream of Calgary. δ¹⁵N_NO3 and δ¹¹B values in the Bow River highlighted an increase in agricultural NO₃ loading downstream of irrigation return-flows. A three-fold decrease in the NO₃:B flux ratio indicated NO₃-removal processes are active in the lower reaches of the Bow River. For the Oldman River, δ¹¹B values revealed elevated nutrient loading from the Lethbridge WWTP effluent (10% of downstream B flux). Furthermore, the agricultural tributaries contributed 25% of the local B flux to the Oldman River. Overall, δ¹¹B was proven to be an effective co-tracer for discriminating between urban and agricultural sources of NO₃ in these large mixed-use watersheds. This combined isotope tracing approach has significant potential to identify point and non-point NO₃ sources driving eutrophication around the world.

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic characterization and tracing nutrient sources of Ulva blooms around Jeju coastal areas

The present investigation was aimed to characterize the Ulva blooms and to identify the probable sources for Ulva blooms along the Jeju Island coast for pertinent control measures. Algal isotope signatures (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O) and tissue nitrogen and carbon were analyzed to map nutrient sources around the Jeju coastal areas. The algal δ¹³C values were ranged from -20.52 to -4.39‰, while δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O values ranged from 4.26 to 8.29‰ and 12.80-17.34‰, respectively. Moreover, site-specific significant differences were observed in algal stable isotope (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O) values. The bi-plot (δ¹⁵N vs δ¹⁸O) diagram indicated four dominant nitrogen sources along the Jeju coast, with 1) soil organic nitrogen mixed with livestock wastes (spring water samples and E), the 2) synthetic fertilizer input (A3 and B2), 3) sewage discharge (D1, D2 and I3) and 4) aquaculture waste (fish farm samples, A4, A5, B1, G and I2). Present findings revealed the different potential nitrogen sources for localized increase of algal growth along the Jeju coast. Finally, the present findings could be used as baseline data for efficient nutrient management to remediate Ulva blooms along Jeju coastal environment.

Comprehensive and quantitative assessment of nitrate dynamics in two contrasting forested basins along the Sea of Japan using dual isotopes of nitrate

The recent deposition rates of atmospheric nitrate derived from east Asia to the Japanese forested watershed facing the Sea of Japan are of serious concern. However, export ratios and the seasonality of atmospheric nitrate versus microbial nitrate from forest soils to upstreams have not yet been quantified. Furthermore, the influence of local nitrogen sources and internal biogeochemical processes are still unclear. To determine the influence of watershed properties and atmospheric nitrogen deposition on nitrate dynamics in two adjacent basins (the Kita and Minami Rivers) located in central Japan, we conducted seasonal synoptic surveys using the dual isotopes of nitrate. It was found that nitrate regenerated through nitrification in the forest soil was likely the dominant nitrogen source in both basins from the upstream to downstream waters. However, nitrate concentrations and the direct leaching ratio of atmospheric nitrate were considerably higher in the Kita River Basin than in the Minami River Basin, possibly due to the difference in forest environments. In the Kita River Basin, geographic trait such as altitude may be one factor regulating the sensitivity of forest ecosystem to nitrogen deposition. Quantitative assessments of nitrate outflows from the sub-basins revealed that nitrogen leached from the forest soil was a major source (61-81%) of nitrate loading to the coastal sea.

Tracing the sources of nitrate in the rivers and lakes of the southern areas of the Tibetan Plateau using dual nitrate isotopes

Based on a quantitative analysis of nitrate concentrations, the nitrate sources and temporal variability of the rivers, lakes, and wetlands of Tibet were assessed for the first time using dual isotope technology. Water samples were collected once in July 2017 for analysis of nitrate concentration and isotopic composition. The overall values of δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^- ranged from +1.8‰ to +23.0‰, and from -6.3‰ to +22.2‰ respectively. Duel isotopic composition suggested that nitrification of soil organic nitrogen was the main source of nitrate in the Yalu Tsangpo River. Furthermore, anthropogenic nitrogen inputs become more important in downstream than upstream because of intensive agricultural activities and urban input. In the rivers of the Ngari District, nitrate is mainly derived from desert deposits, manure and sewage, and chemical fertilisers. Different rivers show different characteristics of nitrate sources depending on the location, topography, landform, and climate of the river basins. Animal manure, nitrification of soil organic matter, and desert deposits are mainly responsible for the shifting of nitrate isotopic signatures in lakes, which are minimally affected by human activities. In wetlands, biological nitrification and denitrification could be the main processes of nitrogen migration and transformation. These results provide useful information in revealing the fate of nitrate in different aquatic ecosystems and different areas of Tibet.

Coupled hydrogeochemical evaluation of a vulnerable karst aquifer impacted by septic effluent in a protected natural area

Karst aquifers are highly vulnerable to pollution from human activities. Among sources of these contaminants, septic tank effluent can easily pollute karst aquifers, especially concentrated inputs such as those, for example, from tourist hotels. However, the impacts of septic effluent from relatively large, concentrated inputs on karst aquifers have seldom been assessed previously and therefore provide the focus of this study. Artificial tracer tests, geochemical analysis, and dual nitrate stable isotopes were employed to evaluate the impacts of a concentrated input of septic effluent from the Jinfoshan Holiday Hotel (JHH) on the vulnerable Shuifang Spring (SFS) karst aquifer in a remote mountainous area, the Jinfoshan Karst World Heritage Site within Chongqing Municipality of southwest China. The results of artificial tracer tests showed that the underground flow mainly occurred in a primary conduit with a pooled or bifurcated flow path that connects a sinkhole input to SFS. The high tracer recovery rates suggest that the karst aquifer was characterized by high intrinsic vulnerability to contamination. Chemographs at SFS responded rapidly to the episodic release of effluent from JHH. Decreased pH and dissolved oxygen and elevated turbidity, specific conductance and NH₄⁺ concentrations of SFS resulted from the episodic release of septic tank effluent from the JHH during high-use periods. Although the nitrate concentrations were far below the guideline value of the Standard for Groundwater Quality of China, the isotopes of δ¹⁵N_NO3 and δ¹⁸O_NO3 suggest that nitrate flowing from SFS was primarily derived from manure and sewage, in addition to soil organic N. Thus, episodic release of septic effluent provides a challenge to the sustainability of karst groundwater management. The results of this study may be relevant to other remote and mountainous karst environments where tourism provide otherwise scarce economic resources and particularly to protected sites throughout the world.

Isotopic evidence of nitrate sources and its transformations in a human-impacted watershed

The considerable spatial and temporal variabilities of nitrogen (N) processing introduce large uncertainties for quantifying N cycles on a large scale, particularly in plain river network regions with complicated hydrographic connections and mixed multiple N sources. In this paper, the dual isotopes δ15N and δ18O and dissolved anions in regularly collected samples (n = 10) from the studied river, which is one of the most seriously polluted rivers in the plain river network regions of the Taihu Lake catchment, were analyzed to ascertain the main nitrate (NO3-) sources and watershed N processing in the context of monsoon climate. The seasonal variations in precipitation, temperature, and hydrology play key roles in the regulation of the river NO3- concentration, NO3- sources, and watershed N processing. Nitrification of N-containing materials in the soil was possibly the major source of NO3- all year round, especially in the rainy season, whereas manure and sewage significantly contributed to the NO3- load in the Taige River in the dry season. Nitrification and denitrification processes within the area were closely related. The significant negative relationship between the water temperature and δ18O-NO3- values indicated the occurrence of nitrification in the soil throughout the year. By contrast, seasonal variations of denitrification were apparent from May to July with the high soil temperature and moisture, thereby indicating the occurrence of denitrification (22.9%) within the watershed. After the assessment of temporal variations of NO3- sources and watershed N processing, improved environmental management practices can be implemented to protect water resources and prevent further water quality deterioration in human-impacted watersheds.

Origin and fate of nitrate runoff in an agricultural catchment: Haean, South Korea - Comparison of two extremely different monsoon seasons

The monsoon season in South Korea has great influences on biogeochemical and hydrological processes in the entire country, but is specifically of concern in the Soyang lake watershed, the main drinking water reservoir for the 20-million-people metropolis Seoul. Therefore, water quality and nitrate concentration control in Lake Soyang is of high public priority. The Haean catchment is the most prominent agriculture-dominated sub-catchment of the Soyang lake watershed. It is a complex terrain influenced by extreme rain events and non-point nitrate sources. In this investigation we used input-output calculations and a stable isotope approach to quantify and determinate the origin of nitrate inputs into the rivers that later flow into the lake. During pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons in 2013 and 2014 we measured daily rainfall and river water discharge within the Haean catchment and collected rain, river water and groundwater samples in order to analyze nitrate concentrations and nitrate nitrogen and oxygen isotope abundances. Furthermore, we collected nitrogen fertilizers as applied in the catchment. Heavy monsoon events, as in 2013, were the most pronounced drivers of nitrate leaching being responsible for >80% of the nitrate output in the river runoff. On the other hand, an almost missing summer monsoon in 2014 drove the nitrate runoff in a different manner, being responsible for only 0.4% of the total nitrate nitrogen river discharge in the previous year. Results of nitrate nitrogen and oxygen isotope abundance analyses suggest soil microbial nitrification as the most important contributor to the nitrate in the river runoff. In addition, nitrate from groundwater partially affected by microbial denitrification contributed to the nitrate in the runoff due to river-aquifer exchange fluxes during the monsoon season. Direct leaching of nitrate from mineral fertilizers and atmospheric nitrate deposition were obviously only minor contributors to the nitrate in the runoff.

Using nitrogen and oxygen isotopes to access sources and transformations of nitrogen in the Qinhe Basin, North China

Nitrate pollution in water is a common environmental problem worldwide. The Qinhe Basin (QHB) faces with the risk of eutrophication. To clarify nitrate pollution of river water, water chemical data, water isotope values (δD and δ¹⁸O-H₂O), and dual nitrate isotope values (δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^-) were used to discern sources and transformation mechanisms of nitrogen in the QHB. The nitrate concentrations of river water ranged from 0.71 to 20.81 mg L^-1. The δD and δ¹⁸O-H₂O values of river water varied from - 74 to -52‰ and from - 10.8 to - 7.2‰, with an average value of - 60‰ and - 8.2‰, respectively. The δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^- values of nitrate ranged from - 6.7 to + 14.8‰ and from - 6.0 to + 5.6‰, with a mean value of + 4.6‰ and - 0.6‰, respectively. Assimilation by algae and the mixing of soil nitrogen, chemical fertilizer, sewage, and industrial wastewater could account for increasing δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- values. There was neither significantly positive nor negative correlation between δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^- in river water, indicating that no obvious denitrification shifted isotopic values of nitrate in the QHB. Based on the dual isotopic values of nitrate and land use change in the watershed, it could be concluded that intensive nitrification dominated in the QHB, and dissolved nitrate was mainly derived from nitrification of ammonium in fertilizer, soil nitrogen, and domestic sewage. As the primary nitrate sources identified in the QHB, effective fertilization and afforestation can be taken to protect water resource from nitrate pollution.

Identification of sources and transformations of nitrate in the Xijiang River using nitrate isotopes and Bayesian model

Coupled nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate have proven useful in identifying nitrate sources and transformation in rivers. However, isotopic fractionation and low-resolution monitoring limit the accurate estimation of nitrate dynamics. In the present study, the spatio-temporal variations of nitrate isotopes (¹⁵N and ¹⁸O) and hydrochemical compositions (NO₃^- and Cl^-) of river water were examined to understand nitrate sources in the Xijiang River, China. High-frequency sampling campaigns and isotopic analysis were performed at the mouth of the Xijiang River to capture temporal nitrate variabilities. The overall values of δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^- ranged from +4.4‰ to +14.1‰ and from -0.3‰ to +6.8‰, respectively. The results of nitrate isotopes indicated that NO₃^- mainly originated from soil organic nitrogen (SON), chemical fertilizer (CF), and manure and sewage wastes (M&S). The negative correlation of nitrate isotopic values with NO₃^-/Cl^- ratios suggested the importance of denitrification in NO₃^- loss. The results of Bayesian model with incorporation of isotopic fractionation during the denitrification showed that SON and CF contributed to the most (72-73%) nitrate in the wet season; whereas approximately 58% of nitrate was derived from anthropogenic inputs (M&S and CF) in the dry season. The nitrate flux was 2.08 × 10⁵ tons N yr^-1 during one hydrologic year between 2013 and 2014, with 86% occurring in the wet season. Long-term fluctuations in nitrate flux indicated that nitrate export increased significantly over the past 35 years, and was significantly correlated with nitrate concentrations. The seasonal pattern of nitrate dynamics indicated the mixing of nitrified NO₃^- and denitrified NO₃^- between surface flow and groundwater flow under different hydrological conditions. Overall, the present study quantitatively evaluates the spatio-temporal variations in nitrate sources in a subtropical watershed, and the high-frequency monitoring gives a better estimate of nitrate exports and proportional contributions of nitrate sources.

Delayed nitrate dispersion within a coastal aquifer provides constraints on land-use evolution and nitrate contamination in the past

Identifying sources of anthropogenic pollution, and assessing the fate and residence time of pollutants in aquifers is important for the management of groundwater resources, and the ecological health of groundwater dependent ecosystems. This study investigates anthropogenic contamination in the shallow alluvial aquifer of the Marana-Casinca, hydraulically connected to the Biguglia lagoon (Corsica, France). A multi-tracer approach, combining geochemical and environmental isotopic data (δ¹⁸O-H₂O, δ²H-H₂O, ³H, δ¹⁵N-NO₃^-, δ¹⁸O-NO₃^-, δ¹¹B), and groundwater residence-time tracers (³H and CFCs) was carried out in 2016, and integrated with a study of land use evolution in the catchment during the last century. Groundwater NO₃^- concentrations, ranged between 2 mg/L and up to 30 mg/L, displaying the degradation of groundwater quality induced by anthropogenic activities (agricultural activities). Comparatively high δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- values (up to 19.7‰) in combination with δ¹¹B values that were significantly lower (between 23‰ and 26‰) than the seawater background are indicative of sewage contamination. The ongoing deterioration of groundwater quality can be attributed to the uncontrolled urbanization development all over the alluvial plain, with numerous sewage leakages from the sanitation network and private sewage systems. Integration of contaminant and water-residence time data revealed a progressive accumulation of pollutants with time in the groundwater, particularly in areas with major anthropogenic pressure and slow dynamic groundwater flow. Our approach provides time-dependent insight into nitrogen pollution in the studied aquifer over the past decades, revealing a systematic change in the dominant NO₃^- source, from agricultural to sewage contamination. Yet, today's low groundwater quality is to large parts due to legacy pollution from land-use practices several decades ago, underlining the poor self-remediating capacity of this hydrosystem. Our results can be taken as warning that groundwater pollution that happened in the recent past, or today, may have dire impacts on the quality of groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the future.

Apportionment and uncertainty analysis of nitrate sources based on the dual isotope approach and a Bayesian isotope mixing model at the watershed scale

Identifying and eliminating pollutant sources of water bodies is critical for drinking water safety. In this research, river water, reservoir water and groundwater samples (n = 259) were collected from November 2015 to January 2017. Spatial Analysis was made of the isotopic compositions of potential nitrate sources (i.e., manure, sewage, chemical nitrogen fertilizer, soil organic nitrogen and rainfall) so as to obtain the site source isotopic signatures. Different sources pools and fractionation factors were loaded to a Bayesian isotope mixing model to ensure posterior estimates with less uncertainty. Results showed that the total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in Hexi Reservoir watershed were higher than the Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water of China (GB 3838-2002), and NO₃^--N was the dominant form of TN (accounting for 68.63% on average). There are significant spatio-temporal variations in the isotope data (δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^-) and the dominant nitrate sources, which were related to the land use types. Loading the site source isotopic signatures to the Bayesian isotope mixing model effectively improved the accuracy and precision of nitrate source apportionment. Chemical nitrogen fertilizer (NF) was the foremost largest contributor of NO₃^--N (38.82%), especially for Hexi North Stream (34.19%) and Yangmei Stream (44.39%), while atmospheric deposition (AD) contributed the least to NO₃^--N (0.47%) of river water in the watershed; soil organic nitrogen (NS) contributed more to NO₃^--N in the dry season than in the wet season; and manure and sewage (M&S) contributed approximately 30.22% in the whole study period, 53.60% in September 2016 and 41.33% in Hexi South Stream. This research suggests that combination of Spatial Analysis and the Bayesian isotope mixing model with the measured isotopic signatures of potential nitrate sources accurately apportion the nitrate source contributions.

Tracking nitrate sources in the Chaohu Lake, China, using the nitrogen and oxygen isotopic approach

The Chaohu Lake is highly polluted and suffers from severe eutrophication. Nitrate is a key form of nitrogen that can cause water quality degradation. In this study, hydrochemical and dual isotopic approaches were utilized to identify the seasonal variation of nitrate sources in the Chaohu Lake and its inflowing rivers. The average nitrate concentrations ([NO₃^-]) of the lake and its inflowing rivers were 89.9 and 140.8 μmol L^-1, respectively. The isotopic values of δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^- in the lake ranged from - 1.01 to + 16.67‰ and from - 4.39 to + 22.20‰, respectively. The two major rivers had distinct isotopic compositions, with average δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- values of + 17.52 and + 3.51‰, and average δ¹⁸O-NO₃^- values of + 2.71 and + 7.47‰ for the Nanfei River and Hangbu River, respectively. The results show that soil organic ammonium and urban wastewater discharge were the main sources of nitrate in the Chaohu Lake, and nitrate assimilation was an important process affected [NO₃^-] and isotopic compositions, especially in the western Chaohu Lake. The elevated [NO₃^-] and δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- values in the western Chaohu Lake indicate the high influence of human activities. Urban wastewater discharge was the primary nitrate source in the Nanfei River and soil organic ammonium was the main source in the Hangbu River. Although nitrate from direct atmospheric deposition was low, its strong flushing effect can substantially improve riverine [NO₃^-] and nitrate loading from terrestrial ecosystem. The relatively high nitrate fluxes from the Hangbu River indicate that nitrogen loading from agricultural watershed is unneglectable in watershed nitrogen sources reduction strategies.

Sources and behaviour of nitrogen compounds in the shallow groundwater of agricultural areas (Poyang Lake basin, China)

Nitrogen contamination of natural water is a typical problem for various territories throughout the world. One of the regions exposed to nitrogen pollution is located in the Poyang Lake basin. As a result of agricultural activity and dense population, the shallow groundwater of this area is characterised by a high concentration of nitrogen compounds, primarily NO₃^-, with the concentration varying from 0.1mg/L to 206mg/L. Locally, high ammonium content occurs in the shallow groundwater with low reduction potential Eh (<100mV). However, in general, the shallow groundwater of the Poyang Lake basin has Eh>100mV. To identify sources of nitrogen species and the factors that determine their behaviour, the dual stable isotope approach (δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸О) and physical-chemical modelling were applied. Actual data were collected by sampling shallow groundwater from domestic water supply wells around the lake. The δ¹⁸О values from -4.1‰ to 13.9‰ with an average value of 5.3 permille indicate a significant influence of nitrification on nitrogen balance. The enrichment of nitrate with the ¹⁵N isotope indicates that manure and domestic sewage are the principal sources of nitrogen compounds. Inorganic nitrogen speciation and thermodynamic calculations demonstrate the high stability of nitrate in the studied groundwater. Computer simulation and field observations indicate the reducing conditions formed under joint effects of anthropogenic factors and appropriate natural conditions, such as the low-level topography in which decreased water exchange rate can occur. The simulation also demonstrates the growth in pH of the groundwater as a consequence of fertilisation, which, in turn, conduced to the clay mineral formation at lower concentrations of aqueous clay-forming components than the ones under the natural conditions.

Groundwater nitrate reduction versus dissolved gas production: A tale of two catchments

At the catchment scale, a complex mosaic of environmental, hydrogeological and physicochemical characteristics combine to regulate the distribution of groundwater and stream nitrate (NO₃^-). The efficiency of NO₃^- removal (via denitrification) versus the ratio of accumulated reaction products, dinitrogen (excess N₂) & nitrous oxide (N₂O), remains poorly understood. Groundwater was investigated in two well drained agricultural catchments (10km²) in Ireland with contrasting subsurface lithologies (sandstone vs. slate) and landuse. Denitrification capacity was assessed by measuring concentration and distribution patterns of nitrogen (N) species, aquifer hydrogeochemistry, stable isotope signatures and aquifer hydraulic properties. A hierarchy of scale whereby physical factors including agronomy, water table elevation and permeability determined the hydrogeochemical signature of the aquifers was observed. This hydrogeochemical signature acted as the dominant control on denitrification reaction progress. High permeability, aerobic conditions and a lack of bacterial energy sources in the slate catchment resulted in low denitrification reaction progress (0-32%), high NO₃^- and comparatively low N₂O emission factors (EF_5g1). In the sandstone catchment denitrification progress ranged from 4 to 94% and was highly dependent on permeability, water table elevation, dissolved oxygen concentration solid phase bacterial energy sources. Denitrification of NO₃- to N₂ occurred in anaerobic conditions, while at intermediate dissolved oxygen; N₂O was the dominant reaction product. EF_5g1 (mean: 0.0018) in the denitrifying sandstone catchment was 32% less than the IPCC default. The denitrification observations across catchments were supported by stable isotope signatures. Stream NO₃^- occurrence was 32% lower in the sandstone catchment even though N loading was substantially higher than the slate catchment.

Isotopic evidence of nitrogen sources and nitrogen transformation in arsenic-contaminated groundwater

High concentrations of naturally occurring arsenic (As) are typically found in young alluvial and deltaic deposits, and high concentrations of ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃^-) are often present in groundwater affected by anthropogenic activities. In this study, on the basis of physicochemical characteristics of groundwater and the nitrogen and oxygen isotope composition of NO₃^-, it was inferred that the main sources of NO₃^- in the proximal fan of the Choushui River alluvial fan are likely to be ammonium fertilizers, manure, and septic waste; that in the mid-fan and the distal fan, the possible sources are nitrate fertilizers and marine nitrate. In the proximal fan, the oxidative state obviously promotes microbial nitrification. Denitrification occurs from the upstream region to the downstream region of the Choushui River, and therefore, the decrease in NO₃^- concentration along streams connecting the Choushui River to the ocean appears plausible. High DO concentrations and relatively low values of δ¹⁸O_NO3 in the deeper aquifer of the proximal fan may be attributed to unconfined granular nature and groundwater pumping by agricultural activities. In the mid-fan, NO₃^- assimilation is the dominant response to NO₃^- attenuation, and denitrification is insignificant; however, high concentrations of As, NH4⁺ and Fe and depletion of δ¹⁵N_NO3 imply the occurrence of feammox process. By contrast, denitrification evidently occurs in the distal fan, through assimilation, mineralization, and dissimilatory NO₃^- reduction to NH₄⁺, resulting in depletion of NO₃^- and increase in NH₄⁺ in groundwater. Feammox in the mid-fan and denitrification in the distal fan may be the main processes leading to the release of As from As-bearing Fe oxyhydroxides into groundwater.

Freshwater mussel shells (Unionidae) chronicle changes in a North American river over the past 1000years

The Illinois River was substantially altered during the 20th century with the installation of navigational locks and dams, construction of extensive levee networks, and degradation of water quality. Freshwater mussels were affected by these changes. We used sclerochronology and stable isotopes to evaluate changes over time in age-and-growth and food sources for two mussel species: Amblema plicata and Quadrula quadrula. Specimens were collected in years 1894, 1897, 1909, 1912, 1966, and 2013, and archeological specimens were collected circa 850. The von Bertalanffy growth parameter (K) was similar between 850 and 1897, but it increased by 1912 and remained elevated through 2013. Predicted maximum size (L_inf) increased over the past millennium, and 2013 individuals were over 50% larger than in 850. Growth indices showed similar patterns of continual increases in growth. Shells were enriched in ¹³C and ¹⁵N during the 20th century, but exhibited a partial return to historical conditions by 2013. These patterns are likely attributable to impoundment, nutrient pollution and eutrophication beginning in the early 20th century followed by recent water quality improvement.

Regional Effects of Agricultural Conservation Practices on Nutrient Transport in the Upper Mississippi River Basin

Despite progress in the implementation of conservation practices, related improvements in water quality have been challenging to measure in larger river systems. In this paper we quantify these downstream effects by applying the empirical U.S. Geological Survey water-quality model SPARROW to investigate whether spatial differences in conservation intensity were statistically correlated with variations in nutrient loads. In contrast to other forms of water quality data analysis, the application of SPARROW controls for confounding factors such as hydrologic variability, multiple sources and environmental processes. A measure of conservation intensity was derived from the USDA-CEAP regional assessment of the Upper Mississippi River and used as an explanatory variable in a model of the Upper Midwest. The spatial pattern of conservation intensity was negatively correlated (p = 0.003) with the total nitrogen loads in streams in the basin. Total phosphorus loads were weakly negatively correlated with conservation (p = 0.25). Regional nitrogen reductions were estimated to range from 5 to 34% and phosphorus reductions from 1 to 10% in major river basins of the Upper Mississippi region. The statistical associations between conservation and nutrient loads are consistent with hydrological and biogeochemical processes such as denitrification. The results provide empirical evidence at the regional scale that conservation practices have had a larger statistically detectable effect on nitrogen than on phosphorus loadings in streams and rivers of the Upper Mississippi Basin.

Decision-tree-model identification of nitrate pollution activities in groundwater: A combination of a dual isotope approach and chemical ions

To develop management practices for agricultural crops to protect against NO3(-) contamination in groundwater, dominant pollution activities require reliable classification. In this study, we (1) classified potential NO3(-) pollution activities via an unsupervised learning algorithm based on δ(15)N- and δ(18)O-NO3(-) and physico-chemical properties of groundwater at 55 sampling locations; and (2) determined which water quality parameters could be used to identify the sources of NO3(-) contamination via a decision tree model. When a combination of δ(15)N-, δ(18)O-NO3(-) and physico-chemical properties of groundwater was used as an input for the k-means clustering algorithm, it allowed for a reliable clustering of the 55 sampling locations into 4 corresponding agricultural activities: well irrigated agriculture (28 sampling locations), sewage irrigated agriculture (16 sampling locations), a combination of sewage irrigated agriculture, farm and industry (5 sampling locations) and a combination of well irrigated agriculture and farm (6 sampling locations). A decision tree model with 97.5% classification success was developed based on SO4(2-) and Cl(-) variables. The NO3(-) and the δ(15)N- and δ(18)O-NO3(-) variables demonstrated limitation in developing a decision tree model as multiple N sources and fractionation processes both resulted in difficulties of discriminating NO3(-) concentrations and isotopic values. Although only the SO4(2-) and Cl(-) were selected as important discriminating variables, concentration data alone could not identify the specific NO3(-) sources responsible for groundwater contamination. This is a result of comprehensive analysis. To further reduce NO3(-) contamination, an integrated approach should be set-up by combining N and O isotopes of NO3(-) with land-uses and physico-chemical properties, especially in areas with complex agricultural activities.

Ion-exchange method in the collection of nitrate from freshwater ecosystems for nitrogen and oxygen isotope analysis: a review

Nitrate (NO3(-)) contamination of freshwater is considered one of the most prevalent global environmental problems. Dual stable isotopic compositions (δ(15)N and δ(18)O) of NO3(-) can provide helpful information and have been well documented as being a powerful tool to track the source of NO3(-) in freshwater ecosystems. The ion-exchange method is a reliable and precise technique for measuring the δ(15)N and δ(18)O of NO3(-) and has been widely employed to collect NO3(-) from freshwater ecosystems. This review summarizes and presents the principles, affecting factors and corresponding significant improvements of the ion-exchange method. Finally, potential improvements and perspectives for the applicability of this method are also discussed, as are suggestions for further research and development drawn from the overall conclusions.

Identifying diffused nitrate sources in a stream in an agricultural field using a dual isotopic approach

Nitrate (NO3(-)) pollution is a severe problem in aquatic systems in Taihu Lake Basin in China. A dual isotope approach (δ(15)NNO3(-) and δ(18)ONO3(-)) was applied to identify diffused NO3(-) inputs in a stream in an agricultural field at the basin in 2013. The site-specific isotopic characteristics of five NO3(-) sources (atmospheric deposition, AD; NO3(-) derived from soil organic matter nitrification, NS; NO3(-) derived from chemical fertilizer nitrification, NF; groundwater, GW; and manure and sewage, M&S) were identified. NO3(-) concentrations in the stream during the rainy season [mean±standard deviation (SD)=2.5±0.4mg/L] were lower than those during the dry season (mean±SD=4.0±0.5mg/L), whereas the δ(18)ONO3(-) values during the rainy season (mean±SD=+12.3±3.6‰) were higher than those during the dry season (mean±SD=+0.9±1.9‰). Both chemical and isotopic characteristics indicated that mixing with atmospheric NO3(-) resulted in the high δ(18)O values during the rainy season, whereas NS and M&S were the dominant NO3(-) sources during the dry season. A Bayesian model was used to determine the contribution of each NO3(-) source to total stream NO3(-). Results showed that reduced N nitrification in soil zones (including soil organic matter and fertilizer) was the main NO3(-) source throughout the year. M&S contributed more NO3(-) during the dry season (22.4%) than during the rainy season (17.8%). AD generated substantial amounts of NO3(-) in May (18.4%), June (29.8%), and July (24.5%). With the assessment of temporal variation of diffused NO3(-) sources in agricultural field, improved agricultural management practices can be implemented to protect the water resource and avoid further water quality deterioration in Taihu Lake Basin.

Sources and transport of nitrogen in arid urban watersheds

Urban watersheds are often sources of nitrogen (N) to downstream systems, contributing to poor water quality. However, it is unknown which components (e.g., land cover and stormwater infrastructure type) of urban watersheds contribute to N export and which may be sites of retention. In this study we investigated which watershed characteristics control N sourcing, biogeochemical processing of nitrate (NO3-) during storms, and the amount of rainfall N that is retained within urban watersheds. We used triple isotopes of NO3- (δ15N, δ18O, and Δ17O) to identify sources and transformations of NO3- during storms from 10 nested arid urban watersheds that varied in stormwater infrastructure type and drainage area. Stormwater infrastructure and land cover--retention basins, pipes, and grass cover--dictated the sourcing of NO3- in runoff. Urban watersheds were strong sinks or sources of N to stormwater depending on runoff, which in turn was inversely related to retention basin density and positively related to imperviousness and precipitation. Our results suggest that watershed characteristics control the sources and transport of inorganic N in urban stormwater but that retention of inorganic N at the time scale of individual runoff events is controlled by hydrologic, rather than biogeochemical, mechanisms.

Low δ18O values of nitrate produced from nitrification in temperate forest soils

Analyses of δ(18)O of nitrate (NO(3)(-)) have been widely used in partitioning NO(3)(-) sources. However the δ(18)O value of NO(3)(-) produced from nitrification (microbial NO(3)(-)) is commonly estimated using the δ(18)O of environmental water and molecular oxygen in a 2:1 ratio. Here our laboratory incubation of nine temperate forest soils across a 1500 m elevation gradient demonstrates that microbial NO(3)(-) has lower δ(18)O values than the predicted using the 2:1 ratio (by 5.2-9.5‰ at low elevation sites), in contrast to previous reports showing higher δ(18)O values (up to +15‰) than their predicted values. Elevated δ(18)O values of microbial NO(3)(-) were observed at high elevation sites where soil was more acidic, perhaps due to accelerated O-exchange between nitrite, an intermediate product of nitrification, and water. Lower δ(18)O of microbial NO(3)(-) than the predicted and from previous observations suggests that the contribution of anthropogenic N inputs, such as fertilizer and atmospheric deposition, to a given ecosystem and the progress of denitrification in nitrogen removal are greater than we know. More than half of the δ(18)O of stream NO(3)(-) lower than the predicted value along the elevation gradient also indicate the impropriety using the 2:1 ratio for differentiating NO(3)(-) sources.

Isotopes for improved management of nitrate pollution in aqueous resources: review of surface water field studies

BACKGROUND

Environmental agencies have to take measures to either reduce discharges and emissions of nitrate or to remediate nitrate-polluted water bodies where the nitrate concentrations exceed threshold values. Isotope data can support the identification of nitrate pollution sources and natural attenuation processes of nitrate.

REVIEW

This review article gives an overview of the information available to date regarding nitrate source apportionment in surface waters with the ambition to help improving future studies. Different isotope approaches in combination with physicochemical and hydrological data can successfully be used in source apportionment studies. A sampling strategy needs to be developed based on possible nitrate sources, hydrology and land use. Transformations, transport and mixing processes should also be considered as they can change the isotope composition of the original nitrate source.

CONCLUSION

Nitrate isotope data interpreted in combination with hydrological and chemical data provide valuable information on the nitrate pollution sources and on the processes nitrate has undergone during its retention and transport in the watershed. This information is useful for the development of an appropriate water management policy.

An improved method of ion exchange for nitrogen isotope analysis of water nitrate

Nitrate nitrogen and oxygen isotopes have been widely used to trace the nitrogen biogeochemical cycle by identifying NO(3)(-) sources. An improved method of anion exchange was developed to measure δ(15)N-NO(3)(-) in fresh water by continuous-flow elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS). We used a custom-built exchange resin column, a peristaltic pump and the oven-drying method in our experiments. Consequently, the amount of Ag(2)O used as a neutralizer was reduced, time was saved, and operation became simpler than before. Meanwhile, analytical precision remained identical to previous studies. KNO(3) solutions were prepared at 0.2, 5 and 25 mg-N L(-1) from KNO(3) standard salt (δ(15)N=+6.27‰), and the average δ(15)N values of the solutions after having been absorbed on and subsequently stripped from anion columns were +6.62±0.22‰ (n=6), +6.38±0.09‰ (n=6), and +6.26±0.07‰ (n=6), respectively. In addition, the "natural" water sample δ(15)N-NO(3)(-) showed consistency in comparison to standards, and the mean standard deviation by the different approaches was 0.08‰. Accordingly, by these improvements the anion exchange resin technique is demonstrated to be more suitable for measuring δ(15)N in NO(3)(-) than original techniques.

Assessment of the sources of nitrate in the Changjiang River, China using a nitrogen and oxygen isotopic approach

The Changjiang River is the largest freshwater river in China. Here, the sources and variability in nitrate of the Changjiang River are assessed for the first time using dual isotopic approach. Water samples were collected once in August 2006 from the main channel of the Changjiang and its major tributaries. The concentrations and isotopic composition of nitrate were then analyzed for the waters in the Changjiang River. The delta(15)N and delta(18)O of NO(3)(-) ranges from 7.3 per thousand to 12.9 per thousand and 2.4 per thousand to 11.2 per thousand in the Changjiang River waters, respectively. The ranges of isotopic compositions of nitrate suggested that nitrification (including "modified fertilizer") and urban sewage effluent are the major sources of nitrate in the Changjiang River. The high delta(18)O-NO(3)(-) values were observed in the water of the upper reaches, indicated that the current drought might be one important reason for shifting of isotopes in the special sampling period. In addition, there was a strong positive relationship between delta(15)N-NO(3)(-) and delta(18)O-NO(3)(-), which indicated that denitrification added to the enrichment of heavy isotopes of nitrate.

Nitrogen stable isotopes in streams: effects of agricultural sources and transformations

The nitrogen stable isotope ratio of biological tissue has been proposed as an indicator of anthropogenic N inputs to aquatic ecosystems, but overlap in the isotopic signatures of various N sources and transformations make definitive attribution of processes difficult. We collected primary consumer invertebrates from streams in agricultural settings in Wisconsin, U.S.A., to evaluate the relative influence of animal manure, inorganic fertilizer, and denitrification on biotic delta15N. Variance in biotic delta15N was explained by inorganic fertilizer inputs and the percentage of wetland land cover in the watershed, but not by animal manure inputs. These results suggest that denitrification of inorganic fertilizer is the primary driver of delta15N variability among the study sites. Comparison with previously collected stream water NO3-N concentrations at the same sites supports the role of denitrification; for a given N application rate, streams with high biotic delta15N had low NO3-N concentrations. The lack of a manure signal in biotic delta15N may be due its high ammonia content, which can be dispersed outside the range of its application by volatilization. Based on our findings and on agricultural census data for the entire United States, inorganic fertilizer is more likely than manure to drive variability in biotic delta15N and to cause excessive nitrogen concentrations in streams.

Application of two-component model of drainage discharge to nitrate contamination

A conceptual two-component model of drainage discharge based on delta(18)O, nitrate content and delta(15)N data was constructed. It comprises the infiltrated precipitation and the local groundwater, both discharging into the drainage system. The movement of the water via the unsaturated zone is described as a piston-like flow with a varying amount contributing to the total drainage. Two tile drainage systems were studied for nitrate loss. The transit time between the rainfall infiltration and the drainage into the tile system is estimated to be approximately one year. This process is strongly dependent on the duration of the infiltration and its magnitude, and thus on the discharge dynamics in general. The local groundwater contribution to the system formed a significant part of the drainage discharge (varying as 65-98% of the whole drained amount). Nitrate content and delta(15)N data were used for the specification of the nitrate flux and nitrate origin in the drainage discharge.

Sources and transformations of nitrate from streams draining varying land uses: evidence from dual isotope analysis

Knowledge of key sources and biogeochemical processes that affect the transport of nitrate (NO(3)(-)) in streams can inform watershed management strategies for controlling downstream eutrophication. We applied dual isotope analysis of NO(3)(-) to determine the dominant sources and processes that affect NO(3)(-) concentrations in six stream/river watersheds of different land uses. Samples were collected monthly at a range of flow conditions for 15 mo during 2004-05 and analyzed for NO(3)(-) concentrations, delta(15)N(NO3), and delta(18)O(NO3). Samples from two forested watersheds indicated that NO(3)(-) derived from nitrification was dominant at baseflow. A watershed dominated by suburban land use had three delta(18)O(NO3) values greater than +25 per thousand, indicating a large direct contribution of atmospheric NO(3)(-) transported to the stream during some high flows. Two watersheds with large proportions of agricultural land use had many delta(15)N(NO3) values greater than +9 per thousand, suggesting an animal waste source consistent with regional dairy farming practices. These data showed a linear seasonal pattern with a delta(18)O(NO3):delta (15)N(NO3) of 1:2, consistent with seasonally varying denitrification that peaked in late summer to early fall with the warmest temperatures and lowest annual streamflow. The large range of delta (15)N(NO3) values (10 per thousand) indicates that NO(3)(-) supply was likely not limiting the rate of denitrification, consistent with ground water and/or in-stream denitrification. Mixing of two or more distinct sources may have affected the seasonal isotope patterns observed in these two agricultural streams. In a mixed land use watershed of large drainage area, none of the source and process patterns observed in the small streams were evident. These results emphasize that observations at watersheds of a few to a few hundred km(2) may be necessary to adequately quantify the relative roles of various NO(3)(-) transport and process patterns that contribute to streamflow in large basins.

Present limitations and future prospects of stable isotope methods for nitrate source identification in surface- and groundwater

Nitrate (NO3(-)) contamination of surface- and groundwater is an environmental problem in many regions of the world with intensive agriculture and high population densities. Knowledge of the sources of NO3(-) contamination in water is important for better management of water quality. Stable nitrogen (delta15N) and oxygen (delta18O) isotope data of NO3(-) have been frequently used to identify NO3(-) sources in water. This review summarizes typical delta15N- and delta18O-NO3(-) ranges of known NO3(-) sources, interprets constraints and future outlooks to quantify NO3(-) sources, and describes three analytical techniques ("ion-exchange method", "bacterial denitrification method", and "cadmium reduction method") for delta15N- and delta18)O-NO3(-) determination. Isotopic data can provide evidence for the presence of dominant NO3(-) sources. However, quantification, including uncertainty assessment, is lacking when multiple NO3(-) sources are present. Moreover, fractionation processes are often ignored, but may largely constrain the accuracy of NO3(-) source identification. These problems can be overcome if (1) NO3(-) isotopic data are combined with co-migrating discriminators of NO3(-) sources (e.g. (11)B), which are not affected by transformation processes, (2) contributions of different NO3(-) sources can be quantified via linear mixing models (e.g. SIAR), and (3) precise, accurate and high throughput isotope analytical techniques become available.