Major Source Of Nitrate Research Articles

Denitrification rates in marsh fringes and fens in two boreal peatlands in Alberta, Canada

Western Boreal Plain peatlands can play an important role in the global nitrogen cycle by storing N in peat and potentially releasing large amounts of N to the atmosphere. In this study, biological denitrification rates were measured in marsh and fen vegetation zones in two boreal peatland-pond complexes in northcentral Alberta, Canada. Assuming negligible winter denitrification, we estimated annual denitrification rates of 11 g N·m−2 in marshes and 24 g N·m−2 in fens. Two techniques were employed to measure denitrification: 1) measurements of direct N2-flux were taken from intact cores in gas-tight N-free chambers, and 2) nitrous oxide (N2O) flux was measured in the two fens using in situ chambers. N2 fluxes ranged from 2.14–4.19 mg N·m−2·h−1 in marshes and 6.19–6.81 mg N·m−2·h−1 in fens. N2O release from fen peat ranged from consumption to 0.025 mg N·m−2·h−1. Peat with higher carbon and moisture content was a source of N2O whereas peat with lower carbon and moisture content was a sink. Surface water did not appear to be a major source of nitrate for denitrification. However, denitrification rates were positively correlated with peat extractable nitrate. Combined with mineralization studies, this indicated that soil nitrification provided most of the substrate for denitrification.

Effects of dietary nitrate on oxygen cost during exercise

Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from l-arginine by NO synthases, plays a role in adaptation to physical exercise by modulating blood flow, muscular contraction and glucose uptake and in the control of cellular respiration. Recent studies show that NO can be formed in vivo also from the reduction of inorganic nitrate (NO(3) (-)) and nitrite (NO(2) (-)). The diet constitutes a major source of nitrate, and vegetables are particularly rich in this anion. The aim of this study was to investigate if dietary nitrate had any effect on metabolic and circulatory parameters during exercise. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study, we tested the effect of dietary nitrate on physiological and metabolic parameters during exercise. Nine healthy young well-trained men performed submaximal and maximal work tests on a cycle ergometer after two separate 3-day periods of dietary supplementation with sodium nitrate (0.1 mmol kg(-1) day-1) or an equal amount of sodium chloride (placebo). The oxygen cost at submaximal exercise was reduced after nitrate supplementation compared with placebo. On an average Vo(2) decreased from 2.98 +/- 0.57 during CON to 2.82 +/- 0.58 L min(-1) during NIT (P < 0.02) over the four lowest submaximal work rates. Gross efficiency increased from 19.7 +/- 1.6 during CON to 21.1 +/- 1.3% during NIT (P < 0.01) over the four lowest work rates. There was no difference in heart rate, lactate [Hla], ventilation (VE), VE/Vo(2) or respiratory exchange ratio between nitrate and placebo during any of the submaximal work rates. We conclude that dietary nitrate supplementation, in an amount achievable through a diet rich in vegetables, results in a lower oxygen demand during submaximal work. This highly surprising effect occurred without an accompanying increase in lactate concentration, indicating that the energy production had become more efficient. The mechanism of action needs to be clarified but a likely first step is the in vivo reduction of dietary nitrate into bioactive nitrogen oxides including nitrite and NO.

Identifying Sources of Nitrogen to Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Utilizing the Nitrogen Isotope Signature of Macroalgae

Sewage effluent, storm runoff, discharge from polluted rivers, and inputs of groundwater have all been suggested as potential sources of land derived nutrients into Hanalei Bay, Kauai. We determined the nitrogen isotopic signatures (delta(15)N) of different nitrate sources to Hanalei Bay along with the isotopic signature recorded by 11 species of macroalgal collected in the Bay. The macroalgae integrate the isotopic signatures of the nitrate sources over time, thus these data along with the nitrate to dissolved inorganic phosphate molar ratios (N:P) of the macroalgae were used to determine the major nitrate source to the bay ecosystem and which of the macro-nutrients is limiting algae growth, respectively. Relatively low delta(15)N values (average -0.5% per hundred) were observed in all algae collected throughout the Bay; implicating fertilizer, rather than domestic sewage, as an important external source of nitrogen to the coastal water around Hanalei. The N:P ratio in the algae compared to the ratio in the Bay waters imply that the Hanalei Bay coastal ecosystem is nitrogen limited and thus, increased nitrogen input may potentially impact this coastal ecosystem and specifically the coral reefs in the Bay. Identifying the major source of nutrient loading to the Bay is important for risk assessment and potential remediation plans.

Managing nitrogen on the farm: the devil is in the detail

AbstractAgricultural activity is a major source of nitrate in surface and ground waters. There has been a large research effort over the last 20 years to understand nitrate leaching processes and to develop ‘best management practices’ (BMPs) that can be adopted in farming systems to reduce losses to the wider environment. This paper reviews some of the issues relating to the development, use and adoption of these BMPs in farming systems. There is significant evidence from farming systems experiments and modelling studies that combinations of BMPs can decrease nitrate losses from agricultural land, though nothing is foolproof (the weather plays a key role in determining success). The challenges are greater in some regions (dry climate, ‘leaky’ soils) and in some enterprises (intensive animal farming systems). The adoption of BMPs on farms requires attention to detail and a high level of management skill, so providing advisory support to farmers is essential. Even with the progress that has been made in recent years, there is still work to do. This includes encouraging uptake on farms and dealing with potential conflicts between BMPs when they create ‘pollution swapping’ or where there is potential for a large economic penalty for the farmer. We also suggest that there is a need for more innovation in developing BMPs and a need to recognise that, in some situations, radical changes to farming systems may be the only solution. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Effects of groundwater recharge on nitrate-nitrogen loadings

The objective of this paper is to identify the source and transport of nitrate in the groundwater aquifers of alluvial fans by stable isotopic techniques. Water samples collected from the precipitation, groundwater, and river water at the western Kofu basin were analysed for the major cations, anions, and isotopes (δ18O and δ15N). Through the cluster analysis of the cations and anions, two groundwater aquifers formed on the Midai and Kamanashi alluvial fans were identified in the basin. Higher nitrate concentrations were observed in the groundwater aquifers of the Midai alluvial fan, and the values of δ15N suggest that the major sources of nitrate are the inorganic and organic fertilizers applied in the orchards and paddy fields. The values of δ18O show that precipitation and river water are sources of recharge in both the aquifers. A strong positive correlation between the nitrate concentration and the δ18O values of both the groundwater aquifers shows that precipitation water acts as a carrier and river water facilitates dilution in the nitrate loading from terrestrial catchments.

Major influence of BrO on the NOx and nitrate budgets in the Arctic spring, inferred from Δ17O(NO3 - ) measurements during ozone depletion events

Environmental context. Ozone depletion events (ODEs) in the Arctic lower atmosphere drive profound changes in the chemistry of nitrogen oxides (NOx) because of the presence of bromine oxide (BrO). These are investigated using the isotopic composition of atmospheric nitrate (NO3–), which is a ubiquitous species formed through the oxidation of nitrogen oxides. Since BrO is speculated to play a key role in the atmospheric chemistry of marine regions and in the free troposphere, our studies contribute to the improvement of the scientific knowledge on this new topic in atmospheric chemistry. Abstract. The triple oxygen isotopic composition of atmospheric inorganic nitrate was measured in samples collected in the Arctic in springtime at Alert, Nunavut and Barrow, Alaska. The isotope anomaly of nitrate (Δ17O = δ17O–0.52δ18O) was used to probe the influence of ozone (O3), bromine oxide (BrO), and peroxy radicals (RO2) in the oxidation of NO to NO2, and to identify the dominant pathway that leads to the production of atmospheric nitrate. Isotopic measurements confirm that the hydrolysis of bromine nitrate (BrONO2) is a major source of nitrate in the context of ozone depletion events (ODEs), when brominated compounds primarily originating from sea salt catalytically destroy boundary layer ozone. They also show a case when BrO is the main oxidant of NO into NO2.

Seasonal variability of denitrification efficiency in northern salt marshes: An example from the St. Lawrence Estuary

In coastal ecosystems, denitrification is a key process in removing excess dissolved nitrogen oxides and participating in the control of eutrophication process. Little is known about the role of salt marshes on nitrogen budgets in cold weather coastal areas. Although coastal salt marshes are important sites for organic matter degradation and nutrient regeneration, bacterial-mediated nitrogen cycling processes, such as denitrification, remain unknown in northern and sub-arctic regions, especially under winter conditions. Using labelled nitrogen (15N), denitrification rates were measured in an eastern Canadian salt marsh in August, October and December 2005. Freshly sampled undisturbed sediment cores were incubated over 8h and maintained at their sampling temperatures to evaluate the influence of low temperatures on the denitrification rate. From 2 to 12 degrees C, average denitrification rate and dissolved oxygen consumption increased from 9.6 to 25.5 micromol N2 m-2 h-1 and from 1.3 to 1.8 mmol O2 m-2 h-1, respectively, with no statistical dependence of temperature (p>0.05). Nitrification has been identified as the major nitrate source for denitrification, supplying more than 80% of the nitrate demand. Because no more than 31% of the nitrate removed by sediment is estimated to be denitrified, the presence of a major nitrate sink in sediment is suspected. Among possible nitrate consumption mechanisms, dissimilatory reduction of nitrate to ammonium, metal and organic matter oxidation processes are discussed. Providing the first measurements of denitrification rate in a St. Lawrence Estuary salt marsh, this study evidences the necessity of preserving and restoring marshes. They constitute an efficient geochemical filter against an excess of nitrate dispersion to coastal waters even under cold northern conditions.

Impact of clam and mussel farming on benthic metabolism and nitrogen cycling, with emphasis on nitrate reduction pathways

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 315:151-165 (2006) - doi:10.3354/meps315151 Impact of clam and mussel farming on benthic metabolism and nitrogen cycling, with emphasis on nitrate reduction pathways Daniele Nizzoli1, David T. Welsh2,*, Elisa Anna Fano3, Pierluigi Viaroli1 1Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 33/A, 43100 Parma, Italy 2School of Environmental and Applied Sciences, and Centre for Aquatic Processes and Pollution, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, PMB 50 GC Mail Centre, Bundall 9726 Queensland, Australia 3Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44100 Ferrara, Italy *Corresponding author. Email: d.welsh@griffith.edu.au ABSTRACT: The influences of suspended mussel and infaunal clam cultivation on benthic metabolism and nutrient cycling were compared in Goro lagoon, Italy. Both aquaculture types stimulated benthic metabolism, with sediment oxygen demand (SOD), CO2 and ammonium effluxes of up to 14, 16 and 1.2 mmol m–2 h–1. However, whilst mussel farming preferentially stimulated anaerobic metabolism and sediment reduction, clam farming did not. The mussel ropes were also large oxygen sinks and ammonium sources, with oxygen consumption and ammonium production rates of 1.4 to 1.5 and 0.18 to 0.43 mmol kg–1 h–1. Consequently, the overall impacts of mussel farming on oxygen and nutrient dynamics were much greater than those of clam farming. There were also differences in nitrate-reduction processes and the nitrate sources that fuelled them. In winter, at high water column nitrate concentrations, highest nitrate reduction rates (~320 µmol m–2 h–1) occurred at the mussel farm. Nitrate reduction was driven predominantly by water column nitrate and ~30% of nitrate reduced was recycled to ammonium via dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). At the control and clam farm sites, nitrate reduction rates were lower (~180 µmol m–2 h–1), nitrification supplied ~30% of nitrate and denitrification was dominant. In summer under low nitrate conditions, nitrate reduction was highest (~130 µmol m–2 h–1) at the mussel farm site, but this activity was completely dependent upon water column nitrate and 95% of nitrate was reduced via DNRA. In contrast, at the clam farm station, DNRA was unimportant and nitrification was the major nitrate source for denitrification. Consequently, whilst nitrate reduction processes eliminated fixed N from the clam farm sediments via coupled nitrification-denitrification, the dominance of DNRA at the mussel farm site resulted in a net N input to the sediment compartment. These large differences in the impacts of clam and mussel farming can be explained by the fact that infaunal clams stimulate transfer of both organic matter and oxygen to the sediment, whereas suspended mussels enhance only organic matter inputs. KEY WORDS: Aquaculture impacts · Tapes philippinarum · Mytilus galloprovincialis · Biodeposition · Nutrient cycles · Nitrification · Denitrification · Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium Full text in pdf format PreviousNextExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 315. Online publication date: June 13, 2006 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2006 Inter-Research.

Treating grazed pasture soil with a nitrification inhibitor, eco‐n™, to decrease nitrate leaching in a deep sandy soil under spray irrigation—a lysimeter study

In grazed dairy pasture systems, a major source of nitrate (NO3 −) leached is the nitrogen (N) returned in the urine from the grazing animal. The objective of this study was to use undisturbed soil monolith lysimeters to quantify the effectiveness of treating a grazed pasture soil with a nitrification inhibitor, trade name eco‐n™ (active ingredient— dicyandiamide, DCD), in decreasing NO3 − leaching losses from a deep sandy Templeton soil (Udic Haplustept) with a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens) pasture. Simulated rainfall was applied in the winter to supplement the natural rainfall to the 75th percentile of local rainfall records, and spray irrigation was applied in the summer. The treatment of the soil with eco‐n decreased NO3 −‐N leaching from 85 to 20–22 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (equivalent to 74–76% reduction) for the dairy cow urine N applied in the autumn at the rate of 1000 kg N ha−1. This reduced annual average NO3 −‐N concentration under the urine patch from 25 to 7 mg N litre−1. The eco‐n treatment also reduced Ca2+ leaching by 38–56% and Mg leaching by 21—42%. Ammonia volatilisation was not affected by the eco‐n treatment. In addition, the eco‐n treatment increased herbage dry matter yield in the urine patch areas by 33%, from 15.9 t ha−1 yr−1 without eco‐n to 18.2t ha−1 yr−1 in the single eco‐n application in May and to 21.1 t ha−1 yr−1in the May plus August eco‐n treatment. Treating grazed pasture soil with eco‐n is thus not only beneficial to the environment by reducing NO3 − leaching but also has economic benefits by increasing nutrient use efficiency and pasture production.

Contamination of groundwater under cultivated fields in an arid environment, central Arava Valley, Israel

The purpose of this study is to obtain a better understanding of groundwater contamination processes in an arid environment (precipitation of 50 mm/year) due to cultivation. Additional aims were to study the fate of N, K, and other ions along the whole hydrological system including the soil and vadose zone, and to compare groundwater in its natural state with contaminated groundwater (through the drilling of several wells). A combination of physical, chemical, and isotopic analyses was used to describe the hydrogeological system and the recharge trends of water and salts to the aquifers. The results indicate that intensive irrigation and fertilization substantially affected the quantity and quality of groundwater recharge. Low irrigation efficiency of about 50% contributes approximately 3.5–4 million m 3/year to the hydrological system, which corresponds to 0.65 m per year of recharge in the irrigated area, by far the most significant recharge mechanism. Two main contamination processes were identified, both linked to human activity: (1) salinization due to circulation of dissolved salts in the irrigation water itself, mainly chloride, sulfate, sodium and calcium, and (2) direct input of nitrate and potassium mainly from fertilizers. The nitrate concentrations in a local shallow groundwater lens range between 100 and 300 mg/l and in the upper sub-aquifer are over 50 mg/l. A major source of nitrate is fertilizer N in the excess irrigation water. The isotopic compositions of δ 15N–NO 3 (range of 4.9–14.8‰) imply also possible contributions from nearby sewage ponds and/or manure. Other evidence of contamination of the local groundwater lens includes high concentrations of K (20–120 mg/l) and total organic carbon (about 10 mg/l).

Detection of nitrate sources in urban groundwater by isotopic and chemical indicators, Hangzhou City, China

The sources of nitrate in the shallow groundwater at urban area, Hangzhou City, China were investigated using chemical and isotopic techniques. Groundwater electric conductivity was high in the study area and ranged from 369–1,544 μS/cm. Most of the groundwater was weakly alkaline and the groundwater chemistry was seriously influenced by land use in the city. There was a high frequency of groundwater (43% of total) with nitrate above World Heath Organization’s standards of 10 mg NO3/L. The different land-use areas had different nitrate concentrations (0.04–34.41 mgN/L) and δ15N NO3 values (7.8~35.5‰). Domestic wastewater was the major nitrate source of shallow groundwater in the urban area, and the point source (septic tank) still existed in residential settings. At agricultural settings manure was the major NO3 sources. High δ15N NO3 value (>20‰) and temporal variations of the δ15N NO3 value suggested that in residential areas it probably resulted from denitrification.

Nitrate sources and sinks in Elkhorn Slough, California: Results from long-term continuous in situ nitrate analyzers

Nitrate and water quality parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and depth) were measured continuously with in situ NO3 analyzers and water quality sondes at two sites in Elkhorn Slough in Central California. The Main Channel site near the mouth of Elkhorn Slough was sampled from February to September 2001. Azevedo Pond, a shallow tidal pond bordering agricultural fields further inland, was sampled from December 1999 to July 2001. Nitrate concentrations were recorded hourly while salinity, temperature, depth, oxygen, and turbidity were recorded every 30 min. Nitrate concentrations at the Main Channel site ranged from 5 to 65 mM. The propagation of an internal wave carrying water from ;100 m depth up the Monterey Submarine Canyon and into the lower section of Elkhorn Slough on every rising tide was a major source of nitrate, accounting for 80-90% of the nitrogen load during the dry summer period. Nitrate concentrations in Azevedo Pond ranged from 0-20 mM during the dry summer months. Nitrate in Azevedo Pond increased to over 450 mM during a heavy winter precipitation event, and interannual variability driven by differences in precipitation was observed. At both sites, tidal cycling was the dominant forcing, often changing nitrate concentrations by 5-fold or more within a few hours. Water volume flux estimates were combined with observed nitrate concentrations to obtain nitrate fluxes. Nitrate flux calculations indicated a loss of 4 mmol NO3 m 22 d21 for the entire Elkhorn Slough and 1 mmol NO3 m22 d21 at Azevedo Pond. These results suggested that the waters of Elkhorn Slough were not a major source of nitrate to Monterey Bay but actually a nitrate sink during the dry season. The limited winter data at the Main Channel site suggest that nitrate was exported from Elkhorn Slough during the wet season. Export of ammonium or dissolved organic nitrogen, which we did not monitor, may balance some or all of the NO3 flux.

An assessment of the risk associated with urban development in the Thiaroye area (Senegal)

Water quality data from 56 wells, aquifer characteristics, soil types and land use in the city suburb of Dakar were compared to assess the effects of land use on the Thiaroye groundwater quality. The study area encompassed an unsewered densely populated zone, agricultural land, low density villages, and undeveloped land located in the sand dunes. A method similar to GIS technologies was applied to evaluate the degree of vulnerability of the different parts of the aquifer in relation to urban development, land use and aquifer characteristics. The aquifer parameters (hydraulic conductivity, groundwater level depth, recharge, soil type) were re-evaluated qualitatively into three class rankings (high, moderate and low), depending on the likelihood for contaminants reaching the water table, then combined using the two matrix Boolean logic based approaches to identify the nine classes of vulnerability assessed in the aquifer domain. An attempt was made to explain the distribution of nitrate concentration with the assessed vulnerability. In the area assessed, in the densely populated zone running from Pikine, to Thiaroye and Yeumbeul, very high nitrate concentrations correspond with the highest vulnerability index (H1). Nitrate contamination in this area is a consequence of point-source seepage from individual septic systems improperly built in this area. In the eastern part of the aquifer, high nitrate concentrations at Deni B. Ndao, Mbawane and Golam localities coincide with a moderate vulnerability assessment. The major source of nitrate in these areas is induced by agricultural activities.

Geologic controls on the chemical behaviour of nitrate in riverside alluvial aquifers, Korea

AbstractTo investigate the origin and behaviour of nitrate in alluvial aquifers adjacent to Nakdong River, Korea, we chose two representative sites (Wolha and Yongdang) having similar land‐use characteristics but different geology. A total of 96 shallow groundwater samples were collected from irrigation and domestic wells tapping alluvial aquifers.About 63% of the samples analysed had nitrate concentrations that exceeded the Korean drinking water limit (44·3 mg l−1 NO3−), and about 35% of the samples had nitrate concentrations that exceeded the Korean groundwater quality standard for agricultural use (88·6 mg l−1 NO3−). Based on nitrogen isotope analysis, two major nitrate sources were identified: synthetic fertilizer (about 4‰ δ15N) applied to farmland, and animal manure and sewage (15–20‰ δ15N) originating from upstream residential areas. Shallow groundwater in the farmland generally had higher nitrate concentrations than those in residential areas, due to the influence of synthetic fertilizer. Nitrate concentrations at both study sites were highest near the water table and then progressively decreased with depth. Nitrate concentrations are also closely related to the geologic characteristics of the aquifer. In Yongdang, denitrification is important in regulating nitrate chemistry because of the availability of organic carbon from a silt layer (about 20 m thick) below a thin, sandy surface aquifer. In Wolha, however, conservative mixing between farmland‐recharged water and water coming from a village is suggested as the dominant process. Mixing ratios estimated based on the nitrate concentrations and the δ15N values indicate that water originating from the village affects the nitrate chemistry of the shallow groundwater underneath the farmland to a large extent. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Nitrate nitrogen in surface waters as influenced by climatic conditions and agricultural practices.

Subsurface tile drainage from row-crop agricultural production systems has been identified as a major source of nitrate entering surface waters in the Mississippi River basin. Noncontrollable factors such as precipitation and mineralization of soil organic matter have a tremendous effect on drainage losses, nitrate concentrations, and nitrate loadings in subsurface drainage water. Cropping system and nutrient management inputs are controllable factors that have a varying influence on nitrate losses. Row crops leak substantially greater amounts of nitrate compared with perennial crops; however, satisfactory economic return with many perennials is an obstacle at present. Improving N management by applying the correct rate of N at the optimum time and giving proper credits to previous legume crops and animal manure applications will also lead to reduced nitrate losses. Nitrate losses have been shown to be minimally affected by tillage systems compared with N management practices. Scientists and policymakers must understand these factors as they develop educational materials and environmental guidelines for reducing nitrate losses to surface waters.

The origin and distribution of nitrate in groundwater from village wells in Kotagede, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The causes and nature of nitrate pollution of wells in a village within Kotagede, a subdistrict of the city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, were investigated in a detailed hydrological study. Nitrate concentrations in groundwater frequently exceeded the WHO recommended limit of 50 mg L − 1. Groundwater nitrate concentrations were measured over a 19-month period in monitoring wells and in piezometers placed strategically in relation to sewage tanks within the village. Results indicate that the tanks are major sources of nitrate in the groundwater and that the input is markedly dependent on rainfall, resulting in a surge of nitrate into the groundwater at the beginning of each wet season. That the tanks are a major source was confirmed by measuring nitrate in soil cores obtained by augering close to selected tanks. Washrooms, where people wash themselves, are not significant sources of nitrate. Faecal coliform counts in groundwater from a random selection of wells are very high. The results have implications for the siting of wells and toilets within villages in Indonesia.

Determining the source of nitrate pollution in the Niger discontinuous aquifers using the natural [formula omitted] ratios

In the semi-arid Niamey area (Niger), more than 10% of the deep wells exploiting the fracture network of the Precambrian aquifer are contaminated by nitrates, with concentrations as high as 10 meq l −1. In order to identify the source(s) of this pollution, nitrate and 15N contents in the polluted wells were monitored over a 20-month period. Potential sources of nitrate contamination were also analyzed for their 15N content. The isotopic compositions of nitrate in polluted waters were > + 12‰ and in rare cases exceeded +17‰. Latrines (∼ + 15‰) may be the major nitrate source for wells showing δ 15N values above +15‰. Below this value, waters may be polluted by a combination of nitrates from both latrine and soil sources (∼ + 10‰). In some cases, the soil may account for up to 85% of the groundwater nitrate load. This mode of groundwater pollution is thought to be a consequence of deforestation. Despite their reputation as polluting agents, fertilizers ( +0.5 < δ 15 N < + 3.6‰ ) which are used in rice paddies close to the contaminated areas, do not appear to be a significant source of nitrate contamination. Denitrification is probably not a significant process in the study area. Results suggest that nitrate contamination of the aquifer is a consequence of unregulated urbanization (home-made latrines) and deforestation. While latrines are limited to the urban zones, intensive cutting of the forest to meet the city dwellers' wood demand occurs in an ever increasing area around the capital, threatening the local water supply.

Nitrate, nitrite and N-nitroso compounds

A risk assessment has been made on nitrate, nitrite and N-nitroso compounds encountered in the human diet. Vegetables constitute a major source of nitrate providing over 85% of the average daily human dietary intake. Nitrite and N-nitroso compounds present in the diet contribute relatively small amounts to the body burden and the major source of these biologically reactive compounds is derived from the bacterial and mammalian metabolism of ingested nitrate. Additionally, endogenous synthesis provides an important source contributing to the body burden of nitrate. Data from animal toxicological studies, human effects and epidemiological surveys have been reviewed and evaluated. It is concluded that there is no firm scientific evidence at present to recommend drastic reductions beyond the average levels of nitrate encountered in vegetables grown in keeping with good agricultural practice. Recommendations have also been made for further animal and human studies to be carried out to elucidate the potential risks to man from ingested nitrate.

Inorganic nutrients in precipitation over the Magdalen Islands area (Quebec, Canada) and their impact on the primary productivity of the lagoons

Concentrations of nitrate, ammonium and phosphate have been monitored from June to October 1989 in rain water collected at the Magdalen Islands (Gulf of St. Lawrence, Québec, Canada). Nitrate was the main dissolved organic nitrogen (DIN) compound with concentrations ranging from 2.2 to 95 μM. Ammonium was occasionally dominant and varied between 0.7 and 41 μM. Phosphate concentrations were low and extremely variable with values ranging from 0.2 μM to 2 μM. All three inorganic nutrients were positively correlated and the relationships best described by a non-linear regression model. NH 4 +:NO 3 − atomic ratios fell within the range of those previously measured, i.e. the northeast part of North America, and suggest a continental origin for both DIN and phosphate. Measured pH values failed to show high levels of acidity (pH=4.8 ±0.4). For the lagoonal system of the Magdalen Islands, atmospheric deposition is the major source of nitrate during the summer period we surveyed. In such an ecosystem the atmospheric inputs of DIN are greater than those from the sediment and may at times contribute up to 70% of the phytoplankton primary production requirements. In contrast, phosphate of rain origin was only of marginal importance relative to sediment inputs.

Nitrate exposure from drinking water and diet in a Danish rural population.

Increasing levels of nitrate (NO3-) in drinking water in Denmark is of concern due to the possibility of an associated increase in long-term exposure to endogeneously formed N-nitroso compounds. Using a duplicate portion technique in combination with a qualitative description of diet and other background variables, the total nitrate intake in a Danish rural population and the contribution of drinking water to the total nitrate exposure is estimated. People drinking nitrate-free water have an intake of 37 mg NO3- per day. At 47 mg NO3- per litre, the exposure is increased to 89 mg, about 60% of which originates from the water. At 84 mg NO3- per litre, the daily exposure is 123 mg, 70% of which originates from the drinking water. These crude comparisons between three groups of people are supplemented with quantitative modelling of nitrate exposure at individual level. Apart from drinking water, consumption of vegetables is a major source of nitrate in this population. Using nitrate in overnight urine samples to quantify exposure is less accurate than the duplicate dietary portion technique and tends, in the present study, to underestimate the contribution of water-derived nitrate to total nitrate intake.