Isotopes for improved management of nitrate pollution in aqueous resources: review of surface water field studies.
BACKGROUND
Environmental agencies have to take measures to either reduce discharges and emissions of nitrate or to remediate nitrate-polluted water bodies where the nitrate concentrations exceed threshold values. Isotope data can support the identification of nitrate pollution sources and natural attenuation processes of nitrate.


METHODS
This review article gives an overview of the information available to date regarding nitrate source apportionment in surface waters with the ambition to help improving future studies. Different isotope approaches in combination with physicochemical and hydrological data can successfully be used in source apportionment studies. A sampling strategy needs to be developed based on possible nitrate sources, hydrology and land use. Transformations, transport and mixing processes should also be considered as they can change the isotope composition of the original nitrate source.


CONCLUSIONS
Nitrate isotope data interpreted in combination with hydrological and chemical data provide valuable information on the nitrate pollution sources and on the processes nitrate has undergone during its retention and transport in the watershed. This information is useful for the development of an appropriate water management policy.
European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), Retieseweg 111, 2440, Geel, Belgium.
Angelika
A
Nestler
Michael
M
Berglund
Frederik
F
Accoe
Steluta
S
Duta
Dongmei
D
Xue
Pascal
P
Boeckx
Philip
P
Taylor
D000383:Agriculture; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry; D007554:Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D009566:Nitrates / Q000032:analysis*; D058458:Nitrogen Cycle; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D007554:Isotopes; D009566:Nitrates; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
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