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Understanding Dissolved Organic Matter Biogeochemistry Through In Situ Nutrient Manipulations in Stream Ecosystems
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A multi-stable isotope framework to understand eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems.

Daren C Gooddy1, Dan J Lapworth1, Sarah A Bennett2

  • 1British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK.

Water Research
|November 13, 2015
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Summary

This study introduces a novel multi-stable isotope framework to track nitrogen and phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems. This approach helps identify nutrient sources and understand eutrophication drivers for better management.

Keywords:
AgricultureEutrophicationNitrogen isotopesPhosphate oxygen isotopesWaste water

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Geochemistry
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Eutrophication, driven by excess nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), is a major global threat to aquatic ecosystems.
  • Current understanding of eutrophication triggers is limited by the lack of inherent tracers for N and P.
  • Effective management of eutrophication requires precise identification of nutrient sources and pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose and evaluate a novel multi-stable isotope framework for tracking biogeochemical reactions of N and P in aquatic environments.
  • To utilize inherent isotopic labels to differentiate nutrient sources and understand their fate within ecosystems.
  • To assess the framework's utility in identifying nutrient inputs and in-river processes influencing eutrophication.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a multi-stable isotope framework coupling oxygen isotopes in phosphate (δ(18)OPO4) with dual isotopes in nitrate (δ(15)NNO3, δ(18)ONO3) and ammonium (δ(15)NNH4).
  • Applied the framework to the River Beult in England as an exemplar system.
  • Analyzed isotopic signatures to differentiate between river water and wastewater treatment works effluent, and to identify agricultural and sewage/livestock sources.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated significant isotopic differentiation for P and N between river water and effluent, confirming the framework's ability to track point source inputs.
  • Identified upstream nutrient inputs consistent with agricultural phosphate and partially denitrified sewage/livestock nitrate based on isotopic analysis.
  • Revealed microbial ammonium uptake via isotopic enrichment under low flow, while dilution/sorption likely drove N and P concentration changes under high flow.

Conclusions:

  • The multi-stable isotope framework provides inherent labels to effectively track nutrient (N and P) sources and transformations in aquatic ecosystems.
  • This approach offers a powerful tool for understanding the complex drivers of eutrophication and for targeting management strategies.
  • The study highlights the potential for improved management of eutrophication through advanced isotopic analysis of aquatic nutrient cycles.