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Updated: May 25, 2026

Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
Ammonium release from a blanket peatland into headwater stream systems
S M Daniels1, M G Evans, C T Agnew
1Upland Environments Research Unit, Geography, School of Environment and Development, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. steve1001@mac.com
South Pennine peatland streams are nitrogen saturated, leaching significant dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN). Gully density controls nitrogen type, with peat mineralization contributing to ammonium export.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Hydrology
- Ecology
Background:
- Upland peatlands are sensitive ecosystems.
- Atmospheric nitrogen deposition impacts aquatic systems.
- Headwater streams are crucial for nutrient cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nitrogen saturation and leaching in South Pennine peatland streams.
- To determine the influence of geomorphology on nitrogen export.
- To quantify nitrogen sources and transformations in headwater systems.
Main Methods:
- Hydrochemical sampling of headwater streams.
- Analysis of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) during stormflow and baseflow.
- Sub-catchment scale geomorphological assessment.
- Stormflow flux calculations.
Main Results:
- Nitrogen saturation confirmed with significant DIN leaching (ammonium and nitrate).
- Geomorphology dictates DIN composition: low gully density favors ammonium, high gully density favors ammonium and nitrate due to nitrification.
- Ammonium export exceeds atmospheric inputs, indicating peat mineralization as a source.
- Rapid in-stream transformation of ammonium to nitrate observed downstream.
Conclusions:
- Headwater streams in nitrogen-saturated peatlands are significant pathways for nutrient loss.
- Geomorphological features critically influence nitrogen cycling and export.
- Both atmospheric deposition and peat organic nitrogen contribute to stream nitrogen loads.
- Consideration of headwater streams is vital for assessing atmospheric deposition impacts, especially concerning erosion and climate change.
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