Quantification of nitrate sources to an urban stream using dual nitrate isotopes

Environ Sci Technol. 2014 Sep 16;48(18):10580-7. doi: 10.1021/es404880j. Epub 2014 Aug 19.

Abstract

Human-engineered landscapes and subsequent altered hydrology affect the fate and transport of reactive nitrogen, particularly in urban watersheds. In this study, we used dual-nitrate isotopes and mixing model analysis (δ(15)N and δ(18)O of NO3(-)) to quantify nitrogen inputs from two sources concentrated in urban systems, sewage and atmospheric deposition. Analysis was conducted on samples collected from Nine Mile Run (Pittsburgh, PA) including over two years of samples collected biweekly and samples collected through the hydrographs of four storm events. Mixing models incorporated uncertainties in the isotopic composition of potential nitrate sources and resolved the relative proportions of nitrate inputs from each source using Bayesian techniques. The results indicate that up to 94% of nitrate in streamwater originated from sewage sources during baseflow conditions. During storms, atmospheric deposition was a substantial nitrate source (∼ 34%) to total event-based nitrate loads, although sewage-derived nitrate remained the dominant source (66%). The potential influence of denitrification was considered by incorporating associated isotopic fractionations into mixing models; up to 19% of sewage-derived samples showed the isotopic effects of denitrification. This study quantitatively delineates proportions of nitrate from different sources to urban streamwater, while incorporating remaining uncertainties in source endmember compositions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bayes Theorem
  • Denitrification
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hydrology
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Nitrates / analysis*
  • Nitrogen Isotopes / analysis
  • Nitrogen Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rivers / chemistry*
  • Sewage / chemistry*
  • Urbanization
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

  • Nitrates
  • Nitrogen Isotopes
  • Nitrogen Radioisotopes
  • Sewage
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical