Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2025

Understanding Dissolved Organic Matter Biogeochemistry Through In Situ Nutrient Manipulations in Stream Ecosystems
Published on: October 29, 2016
Review of soil dissolved organic nitrogen cycling: Implication for groundwater nitrogen contamination
1School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Abstract:
Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in groundwater is derived from soil DON transformation and migration processes, which has been considered an emerging nitrogen (N) pollutant. However, due to the limitations of the analytical methods and the complexity of the involved transformation process, the role of DON in soil N cycling remains unclear. Therefore, this review aims to critically examine previous related studies on DON and highlight the knowledge gaps related to DON transformations and molecular characteristics in soils. In addition, the DON distributions and key transformation processes, as well as their influencing factors, were summarized. About 60% of DON components have not been determined due to the limited analytical techniques and methodologies. The depolymerization process of polymers into DON is the rate-limiting step of N mineralization. Furthermore, DON leaching amounts accounted for 7-1500% of soil nitrate (NO3--N) amounts, becoming the dominate pathway of N loss. Further studies are required to provide accurate information on DON compositions and transformation mechanisms, as well as their influencing factors, in soils. The suggested studies can provide further insights into the role of DON in soil N cycling, thereby controlling effectively groundwater N contamination.
More Related Videos
08:05Measurement of the Potential Rates of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium Based on 14NH4+/15NH4+ Analyses via Sequential Conversion to N2O
Published on: October 7, 2020
12:03Two-Dimensional Visualization and Quantification of Labile, Inorganic Plant Nutrients and Contaminants in Soil
Published on: September 1, 2020
Related Concept Videos
The Nitrogen Cycle
Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism
The largest pool of nitrogen available in the terrestrial ecosystem is gaseous nitrogen (N2) from the air, but this...
Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
The Soil Ecosystem
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms