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05:04
Author Spotlight: Understanding Riverine Nitrogen Impacts and Primary Productivity for Effective Nutrient Management
Published on: July 14, 2023
837
Modeling increased riverine nitrogen export: Source tracking and integrated watershed-coast management.
Dan Yu1, Weijin Yan2, Nengwang Chen1
1State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|November 1, 2015
Summary
Human activities significantly increased nitrogen pollution in China's Jiulong River tributaries. Reducing fertilizer and manure inputs by 30-50% can improve water quality and prevent eutrophication.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Ecosystem Management
Background:
- Jiulong River (SE China) tributaries face increasing dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) export.
- Anthropogenic nitrogen inputs are the primary driver of this escalating pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify long-term trends in DIN export from Jiulong River tributaries.
- To identify sources of DIN and assess the impact of human activities.
- To propose mitigation strategies for improving water quality and preventing eutrophication.
Main Methods:
- Calibration and application of the global NEWS (Nitrogen Export from Watersheds) model.
- Quantification of long-term DIN export trends (1980s-2000s).
- Anthropogenic source tracking and scenario analysis for pollution reduction.
Main Results:
- DIN export increased dramatically: North River from 337 to 1662 kg N km⁻² yr⁻¹, West River from 653 to 3097 kg N km⁻² yr⁻¹.
- Anthropogenic sources accounted for 61-92% of river DIN yield.
- North River contributed 55% and West River 45% of the total DIN load to the estuary.
- Rapid development and inadequate management policies were identified as key drivers.
Conclusions:
- Significant reductions in anthropogenic nitrogen inputs are crucial for mitigating riverine and coastal eutrophication.
- Targeted reductions of 30% (fertilizer/manure) for North River and 50% (fertilizer) for West River are recommended.
- Effective water quality management requires addressing agricultural practices and development policies.
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