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Updated: Oct 16, 2025

Automated, High-resolution Mobile Collection System for the Nitrogen Isotopic Analysis of NOx
Published on: December 20, 2016
A review on moss nitrogen and isotope signatures evidence for atmospheric nitrogen deposition
Chenjun Du1, Qingjun Guo2, Jun Zhang1
1Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
Abstract:
Moss nitrogen (N) concentration and isotopic composition (δ15N) values can reveal a better understanding of atmospheric N deposition patterns. Here, we summarize the moss N content and δ15N signatures using data compiled from 104 papers. Based on the dataset, we summarize the models for assessing the level and reduced (NHx): oxidised compounds (NOx) ratio of atmospheric N deposition. Results showed a historical increase in N concentration and 15N depletion of specimen mosses close to anthropogenic N sources from intensive animal production and agricultural activities (NHx emission) since the 1800s. However, an increase of moss N with a less negative 15N observed in the last three decades could be due to a substantial fossil fuel combustion contributed NOx emission. Spatially, N deposition in Europe decreased due to successful control actions, but Asia has become a hotspot for NHx emission from agriculture. The present results highlight the importance of moss N and δ15N values for estimating atmospheric N deposition patterns at spatio-temporal trends.
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