Assessing nitrate origin in a volcanic aquifer using a dual isotope approach

Mongelli, Giovanni; Paternoster, Michele; Sinisi, Rosa

doi:10.1007/s13762-012-0169-9

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…This might be attributed to evaporation (Böhlke et al 1997), respiration (Kendall 1998), and higher δ 18 O values in soil (Wassenaar 1995) that are caused by seasonal changes or different nitrobacteria (Mayer et al 2001). In groundwater, however, Mongelli et al (2013) found that δ 18 O-NO 3 − values of groundwater in the central-southern Italy during nitrification process are lower than the expected δ 18 O-NO 3 − values, which might be explained by that the relative contribution of ambient O from surrounding water and O 2 did not always keep the rule of 2:1 (Mayer et al 2001). In addition, a recent study (Kool et al 2011) (Kendall 1998), and produced NO − 3 is transported into waters.…”

Section: Nitrificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A stable isotope approach and its application for identifying nitrate source and transformation process in water

Kang

Sun

2015

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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Nitrate contamination of water is a worldwide environmental problem. Recent studies have demonstrated that the nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) isotopes of nitrate (NO3(-)) can be used to trace nitrogen dynamics including identifying nitrate sources and nitrogen transformation processes. This paper analyzes the current state of identifying nitrate sources and nitrogen transformation processes using N and O isotopes of nitrate. With regard to nitrate sources, δ(15)N-NO3(-) and δ(18)O-NO3(-) values typically vary between sources, allowing the sources to be isotopically fingerprinted. δ(15)N-NO3(-) is often effective at tracing NO(-)3 sources from areas with different land use. δ(18)O-NO3(-) is more useful to identify NO3(-) from atmospheric sources. Isotopic data can be combined with statistical mixing models to quantify the relative contributions of NO3(-) from multiple delineated sources. With regard to N transformation processes, N and O isotopes of nitrate can be used to decipher the degree of nitrogen transformation by such processes as nitrification, assimilation, and denitrification. In some cases, however, isotopic fractionation may alter the isotopic fingerprint associated with the delineated NO3(-) source(s). This problem may be addressed by combining the N and O isotopic data with other types of, including the concentration of selected conservative elements, e.g., chloride (Cl(-)), boron isotope (δ(11)B), and sulfur isotope (δ(35)S) data. Future studies should focus on improving stable isotope mixing models and furthering our understanding of isotopic fractionation by conducting laboratory and field experiments in different environments.

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Section: Nitrificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A stable isotope approach and its application for identifying nitrate source and transformation process in water

Kang

Sun

2015

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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“…The HSW group is related to prolonged water circulation in alkali and feldspathoid-rich pyroclastic layers interbedded with clay deposits [33]. Previous studies [1] revealed an inhomogeneous distribution of NO 3 concentrations in the Mt. Vulture area.…”

Section: Sampling and Analysismentioning

confidence: 94%

“…Some industrial plants for mineral water extraction are present in a limited area near the Monticchio Bagni site. In the south-eastern area, there are two small villages as well as industrial plants and the agricultural activities are principally related to farming [1].…”

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the last years, to satisfy the intensifying water demand, groundwater extraction has been gradually increased. However, signs of anthropogenic impact, especially nitrogen contamination, have recently become evident [1]. Assessing the processes controlling groundwater quality is essential for an effective water resource management and protection, especially in the Mt.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Boron Isotopes in the Mount Vulture Groundwaters (Southern Italy): Constraints for the Assessment of Natural and Anthropogenic Contaminant Sources

Paternoster

2019

Geofluids

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The Mt. Vulture volcanic aquifer is an important reservoir of effervescent mineral water in southern Italy. This area is included in the Vulture Regional Park and is located on a popular tourist route for its high scenic and ecological value. Unfortunately, signs of anthropogenic impact have recently increased. Among minor elements, boron and its isotopes are considered useful environmental tracers since different anthropogenic and natural sources can be distinguished. In this study, B content and (δ11B) isotope composition were determined in the Mt. Vulture groundwaters. The groundwater chemistry is strongly influenced by input of CO2-rich volcanic gases, and two different hydrofacies are observed. The first water type (BAW) has bicarbonate alkaline and alkaline-earth composition and relatively low salinity, whereas the second one (HSW) has bicarbonate-sulphate alkaline composition and higher salinity. The HSW are enriched in boron and have low δ11B values (from –9.6‰ to –4.3‰) similar to those measured in the local magmas suggesting that B contents in these waters are influenced by prolonged interaction between local meteoric water and volcanic rocks. As to BAW, a wide variability in B concentrations (from 14 μg/l to 769 μg/l) and B isotope composition (from -16.1‰ to +23‰) has been observed. A possible anthropogenic input is thought to be responsible for such variability. The water samples with high B concentrations and negative δ11B values (−12.2‰ to −16.1‰) are probably influenced by agricultural activities; for water samples characterized by positive δ11B values (from +5.8‰ to +7.9‰) and low B contents, a slight contamination by sewage effluents cannot be excluded. These conclusions are also supported by B/Cl molar ratios (7.8E−3 to 1.6E−2) different from those of the HSW group (1.1E−2 to 7.0E−2). This study highlights that also in the Mt. Vulture volcanic area B isotopes coupled to the B/Cl ratio can be a useful tool for the assessment of natural and anthropogenic contaminant sources.

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“…Vulture area (Italy) [14]. These studies indicated that, for better understanding of the various sources and transformations of NO in groundwater, it is important to couple isotopic composition of NO with multiple lines of evidence.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating the Sources and Fate of Nitrate in the Alluvial Aquifers in the Shijiazhuang Rural and Suburban Area, China: Hydrochemical and Multi-Isotopic Approaches

Zhang

Zhou

et al. 2015

Water

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Assessing nitrate origin in a volcanic aquifer using a dual isotope approach

Abstract: Identifying the origin of nitrate is important for the control and management of groundwater quality in aquifer systems. In the southern Apennines (Italy), the Mount Vulture volcanic aquifer is a large and valuable resource of potable and mineral water supply.

Cited by 7 publications

References 39 publications

A stable isotope approach and its application for identifying nitrate source and transformation process in water

A stable isotope approach and its application for identifying nitrate source and transformation process in water

Boron Isotopes in the Mount Vulture Groundwaters (Southern Italy): Constraints for the Assessment of Natural and Anthropogenic Contaminant Sources

Evaluating the Sources and Fate of Nitrate in the Alluvial Aquifers in the Shijiazhuang Rural and Suburban Area, China: Hydrochemical and Multi-Isotopic Approaches

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