Spatiotemporal controls on septic system derived nutrients in a nearshore aquifer and their discharge to a large lake

Abstract

This study evaluates spatiotemporal variability in the behavior of septic system derived nutrients in a sandy nearshore aquifer and their discharge to a large lake. A groundwater nutrient-rich plume was monitored over a two-year period with the septic system origin of the plume confirmed using artificial sweeteners. High temporal variability in NO3-N attenuation in the nearshore aquifer prior to discharge to the lake (42–96%) reveals the complex behavior of NO3-N and potential importance of changing hydrological and geochemical conditions in controlling NO3-N discharge to the lake. While PO4-P was retarded in the nearshore aquifer, the PO4-P plume extended over 90 m downgradient of the septic system. It was estimated that the PO4-P plume may reach the lake within 10 years and represents a legacy issue whereby PO4-P loads to the lake may increase over time. To provide broader assessment of the contribution of septic systems to P and N loads to a large lake, a regional scale geospatial model was developed that considers the locations of individual septic systems along the Canadian Lake Erie shoreline. The estimated P and N loads indicate that septic systems along the shoreline are only a minor contributor to the annual P and N loads to Lake Erie. However, it is possible that nutrients from septic systems may contribute to localized algal blooms in shoreline areas with high septic system density. In addition, disproportionate P and N loads in discharging groundwater may change the N:P ratio in nearshore waters and promote growth of harmful cyanobacteria. The study provides new insights into factors controlling the function of the reaction zone near the groundwater-lake interface including its impact on groundwater-derived nutrient inputs to large lakes. Further, the study findings are needed to inform septic system and nutrient management programs aimed at reducing lake eutrophication.