Review of Nitrate Source Apportionment and Nitrogen Isotope Fractionation in Groundwater

doi:10.19657/j.geoscience.1000-8527.2021.176

Abstract

Abstract:

Groundwater nitrate (N $O 3 -$ ) pollution has become one of the world’s most serious geoenvironmental problems. Comprehensive and accurate identification of N $O 3 -$ sources has important guiding significance for effective groundwater management and pollution prevention. In this study, we reviewed the N $O 3 -$ sources in groundwater, isotope measurement methods, isotope features of pollution sources, quantitative analytical model, N $O 3 -$ transformation process and isotope fractionation. By comparing the development and application of various N $O 3 -$ source apportionment methods, we invoked that comprehensive and multidisciplinary understanding of N $O 3 -$ sources is needed. Isotope enrichment factor is an important parameter to quantify the contribution of N $O 3 -$ sources. The study of isotopic fractionation effect can better interpret the N $O 3 -$ sources and transformation process in the groundwater, and provide reference for accurate tracing and effective prevention of groundwater N $O 3 -$ pollution.

Key words: nitrate, source apportionment, nitrogen cycle, isotope, fractionation

CLC Number:

P641.3

YU Lu, ZHENG Tianyuan, ZHENG Xilai. Review of Nitrate Source Apportionment and Nitrogen Isotope Fractionation in Groundwater[J]. Geoscience, 2022, 36(02): 563-573.

Figures/Tables 3

References 102

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