Using natural 15N abundances to trace the fate of waste-derived nitrogen in forest ecosystems: New Zealand case studies.
Treatment of wastewater generally results in elevated natural 15N abundance (delta15N) in the effluent and sludges. For example, high delta15N values are found in treated sewage effluent, biosolids, and other wastes that are commonly applied to land. In contrast, N deficient coniferous forest soils usually have a low delta15N. When wastes with high delta15N values are applied to land, their distinctive delta15N signature can potentially be used to trace the fate of waste-derived N in the ecosystem. In this paper, we provide an overview of the use of delta15N in land application of wastes, including New Zealand case studies on tracing nitrogen in forest ecosystems.
Wang
H
H
Forest Research, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, New Zealand. hailong.wang@forestresearch.co.nz
Magesan
G N
GN
Clinton
P W
PW
Lavery
J M
JM
D017753:Ecosystem; D009520:New Zealand; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors; D014197:Trees / Q000502:physiology*
D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D012722:Sewage; D009584:Nitrogen