Using delta15N values to characterise the nitrogen nutrient pathways from intensive animal units.
Previous studies on foliar delta15N values, in certain bryophytes, have indicated signature similarities to source pollutants. The object of this study was to investigate the effect further, by examining the mechanisms whereby isotopic fractionation occurs in systems such as atmospheric ammonia (NH3), throughfall, vegetation and soil. Measurements taken in and around point emission sources will then be used to characterise the various fractionation effects associated with these N transformations, as well as to demonstrate some of the issues associated with using delta15N values as pollution indicators. The atmospheric dispersion model UK-ADMS has also been used to model atmospheric delta15NH3 emissions, with signatures exhibiting marked negative shifts immediately downwind of an agricultural NH3 source. Similar dispersion patterns were mapped for NH3 concentration data illustrating the link between these two forms of measurement.
Skinner
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RA
University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK. ras108.york@gmail.com
Ineson
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P
Jones
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H
Sleep
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Rank
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D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis*; D000641:Ammonia / Q000737:chemistry; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D044002:Bryophyta / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D020387:Food Chain; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D013552:Swine
D000393:Air Pollutants; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D000641:Ammonia