Model reconstruction of nitrate pollution of riverbank filtration using 15N and 18O data, Karany, Czech Republic

Abstract

Stable isotopes of O ( δ 18O) in water and N ( δ 15N) in NO 3 - have been used as natural indigenous groundwater tracers for sources of water and of NO 3 - at two riverbank filtration (RBF) water supply systems. Both RBF systems (Skorkov and Sojovice) have wells in unconsolidated Quaternary sediments close to the Jizera River (Czech Republic) that have been affected by increasing NO 3 - concentrations. The area is underlain by Turonian sandstones and marls that form a deeper bedrock aquifer. Sources of NO 3 - are local sewerage systems and landfills (point sources) and seasonal application of manure and inorganic fertilizers (diffuse sources). At RBF Skorkov recharge to wells can be modelled using a two-component model with 60% river water contribution and 40% of very shallow groundwater with an average residence time of one month. During periods of abundant precipitation, groundwater originates entirely from the unsaturated zone of the Quaternary aquifer; extensive pumping for over 40 a has created new, bypassing flow paths that preferentially drain the contaminated unsaturated zone. During dry periods, wells are recharged by longer residence time groundwater from the Quaternary aquifer. At RBF Sojovice there is an additional recharge component of groundwater from the Turonian aquifer, which is sandier at this locality; this contains denitrified NO 3 - with highly positive δ 15N values.