|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author (up) Boumaiza, L.; Ammar, S.B.; Chesnaux, R.; Stotler, R.L.; Mayer, B.; Huneau, F.; Johannesson, K.H.; Levison, J.; Knöller, K.; Stumpp, C.
Title Nitrate sources and transformation processes in groundwater of a coastal area experiencing various environmental stressors Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal
Volume 345 Issue Pages 118803
Keywords Aquifer, Denitrification, MixSIAR, Nitrate, Nitrification, Stable isotopes
Abstract In coastal salinized groundwater systems, contamination from various nitrate (NO3) inputs combined with complex hydrogeochemical processes make it difficult to distinguish NO3 sources and identify potential NO3 transformtation processes. Effective field-based NO3 studies in coastal areas are needed to improve the understanding of NO3 contamination dynamics in groundwater of such complex coastal systems. This study focuses on a typical Mediterranean coastal agricultural area, located in Tunisia, experiencing substantial NO3 contamination from multiple anthropogenic sources. Here, multiple isotopic tracers (δ18OH2O, δ2HH2O, δ15NNO3, δ18ONO3, and δ11B) combined with a Bayesian isotope MixSIAR model are used (i) to identify the major NO3 sources and their contributions, and (ii) to describe the potential NO3 transformation processes. The measured NO3 concentrations in groundwater are above the natural baseline threshold, suggesting anthropogenic influence. The measured isotopic composition of NO3 indicates that manure, soil organic matter, and sewage are the potential sources of NO3, while δ11B values constrain the NO3 contamination to manure; a finding that is supported by the results of MixSIAR model revealing that manure-derived NO3 dominates over other likely sources. Nitrate derived from manure in the study area is attributed to organic fertilizers used to promote crop growth, and livestock that deposit manure directly on the ground surface. Evidence for ongoing denitrification in groundwaters of the study area is supported by an enrichment in both 15N and 18O in the remaining NO3, although isotopic mass balances between the measured and the theoretical δ18ONO3 values also suggest the occurrence of nitrification. The simultaneous occurrence of these biogeochemical processes with heterogeneous distribution across the study area reflect the complexity of interactions within the investigated coastal aquifer. The multiple isotopic tracer approach used here can identify the effect of multiple NO3 anthropogenic activities in coastal environments, which is fundamental for sustainable groundwater resources management.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ boumaiza_nitrate_2023 Serial 170
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author (up) Müller, M.; Alaoui, A.; Külls, C.; Leistert, H.; Meusburger, K.; Stumpp, C.; Weiler, M.; Alewell, C.
Title Tracking water pathways in steep hillslopes by δ18O depth profiles of soil water Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Journal of hydrology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 519 Issue Pages 340-352
Keywords
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Elsevier Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Mueller2014tracking Serial 20
Permanent link to this record