Nitrate Contamination Of Water Research Articles

Modelling and analysis of the biodenitrification process

Massive and excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers and sustained irrigation have been widely practiced in recent years. This strategy leads to a large transfer of nitrates to groundwater, leading to a major environmental problem of nitrate contamination in water, intended for drinking water consumption. One of the most effective solutions is the degradation of nitrites and nitrates, into gaseous nitrogen, using the heterotrophic bacteria during the denitrification process. In this paper, we present and study a mathematical model of the biodenitrification process taking into account the fixed and mobile bacteria. This process is modeled by a system of ordinary differential equations and requires the success of bacteria to colonize the reactor. We study the existence and the asymptotic behaviour of the solution. We show the existence of a value of the injected carbon concentration from which we ensure the success of the biodenitrification process and we propose a heuristic algorithm which serves to control the biodenitrification process over time. Finally, we present some numerical simulations in to support the theoretical results.

Metagenomic assessment of nitrate-contaminated mine wastewaters and optimization of complete denitrification by indigenous enriched bacteria

Nitrate contamination in water remains to be on the rise globally due to continuous anthropogenic activities, such as mining and farming, which utilize high amounts of ammonium nitrate explosives and chemical-NPK-fertilizers, respectively. This study presents insights into the development of a bioremediation strategy to remove nitrates (NO3−) using consortia enriched from wastewater collected from a diamond mine in Lesotho and a platinum mine in South Africa. A biogeochemical analysis was conducted on the water samples which aided in comparing and elucidating their unique physicochemical parameters. The chemical analysis uncovered that both wastewater samples contained over 120 mg/L of NO3− and over 250 mg/L of sulfates (SO42-), which were both beyond the acceptable limit of the environmental surface water standards of South Africa. The samples were atypical of mine wastewaters as they had low concentrations of dissolved heavy metals and a pH of over 5. A metagenomic analysis applied to study microbial diversities revealed that both samples were dominated by the phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which accounted for over 40% and 15%, respectively. Three consortia were enriched to target denitrifying bacteria using selective media and then subjected to complete denitrification experiments. Denitrification dynamics and denitrifying capacities of the consortia were determined by monitoring dissolved and gaseous nitrogen species over time. Denitrification optimization was carried out by changing environmental conditions, including supplementing the cultures with metal enzyme co-factors (iron and copper) that were observed to promote different stages of denitrification. Copper supplemented at 50 mg/L was observed to be promoting complete denitrification of over 500 mg/L of NO3−, evidenced by the emission of nitrogen gas (N2) that was more than nitrous oxide gas (N2O) emitted as the terminal by-product. Modification and manipulation of growth conditions based on the microbial diversity enriched proved that it is possible to optimize a bioremediation system that can reduce high concentrations of NO3−, while emitting an environmentally-friendly N2 instead of N2O, that is, a greenhouse gas. Data collected and discussed in this research study can be used to model an upscale NO3− bioremediation system aimed to remove nitrogenous and other contaminants without secondary contamination.

Anthropogenic nitrate contamination of water resources in Ethiopia: an overview

Abstract Nitrate is one of the water contaminants that mainly results from anthropogenic activities. The major causes of nitrate contamination of water resources are anthropogenic activities such as animal or human waste, septic or sewage systems, fertilizer application, concentrated animal farming, industrial waste, and landfill leachates. These man-made activities are the primary sources of nitrate contamination in water resources. Nitrate contamination of water is a global issue that has been increasing over time. According to previous research, exposure to nitrate in water above the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limit (50 mg of NO3/L) has been found to induce major health effects such as methemoglobinemia in humans, with the severity depending on the amount consumed. This problem has become a major threat to humans and the environment. Thus, this article presented an overview of nitrate contamination of water resources in Ethiopia, emphasizing anthropogenic activities to indicate the current nitrate water contamination status for the necessary remedial actions.

Development of iron-based biochar for enhancing nitrate adsorption: Effects of specific surface area, electrostatic force, and functional groups

The problem of nitrate contamination in water has attracted widespread attention. Original biochar has a poor adsorption capacity for nitrate adsorption. Iron impregnation and acid protonation (base deprotonation) are common modification methods for biochar. In order to develop iron-mediated biochar containing multi-functional groups for enhancing nitrate adsorption, Fe-BC@H and Fe-BC@OH were prepared using a two-stage development process, including an iron-based carbon pyrolysis followed by acid protonation (or base deprotonation). The pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir models can well describe the adsorption process which is a physicochemical complex monolayer adsorption. The data proved that Fe-BC@H (9.35 mg/g NO3−-N) had a stronger adsorption capacity than Fe-BC@OH (2.95 mg/g NO3−-N). Surface morphologies, functional groups, and mineral compositions of Fe-BC@H and Fe-BC@OH were analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Characterization results showed that acid protonation can further improve the specific surface area (SSA), pore volume, and Zeta potential of Fe-based biochar, providing more adsorption sites for nitrate and enhancing the electrostatic force between nitrate and biochar. However, these effects were suppressed through base deprotonation. In addition, acid protonation can significantly increase the type and number of functional groups of biochar to enhance the chemisorption of nitrate. Such results suggested that the acid protonation can further improve the adsorption capacity of Fe-based biochar for nitrate, while base deprotonation had an inhibitory effect on that of Fe-based biochar. Overall, this study reveals that specific surface area, electrostatic force, and functional groups are crucial effects of the nitrate adsorption on acid/base modified biochar.

Achieving efficient and stable electrochemical nitrate removal by in-situ reconstruction of Cu2O/Cu electroactive nanocatalysts on Cu foam

Efficient and stable electrocatalysts are essential for electrochemical denitrification of nitrate contamination in water. Herein, a cost-effective Cu2O/Cu NRs/CF cathode bearing abundant Cu active sites and electron-rich Cu2O sites with good atomic H* provision performance is reported to exhibit rapid nitrate reduction kinetics (0.04815 min−1) and no nitrite accumulation. Benefiting from the enhanced mass transfer and sufficient H* provision, the rapid adsorption of *NO3, fast reduction of *NO2 to *NO, and highly selective *NO to *NOH transformation played critical roles in the electrochemical nitrate reduction process. Although ammonia was the main final nitrate reduction product, the electrocatalytic system we designed could effectively oxidize ammonia into N2 with the assistance of simultaneous electrochlorination, finally achieving 96.81% of N2 selectivity. Significantly, the long-term stability and low energy consumption to treat actual nitrate-contaminated wastewater make the Cu2O/Cu NRs/CF electrode promising for practical applications.

Management and removal of nitrate contamination of water at the source using modified natural nano zeolite

Nitrate is a hazardous substance for human health, the removal of which is an important environmental priority. Therefore, in this study, first, the sources of nitrate pollution of water were investigated, then the structure, role, and application of nanozeolites for the removal of nitrate ions were studied by the analytical method. Also, the presentation of management solutions, identification of polluting industrial sectors, different methods of removal and fabrication of ZSM-5/Fe/Ni nanosorbents, and the determination of optimal conditions for nitrate removal were investigated by experimental design software and graphical analysis of effective parameters. The results of graphical analysis of laboratory method showed us, the highest nitrate removal efficiency at a residence time of 150 minutes, pH 3, 4 g L-1 adsorbent, and 40 mg L-1 nitrate were achieved (%RE:91.5-97.4). Experimental results indicate the high efficiency, absorption capacity, and effectiveness of ZSM-5/Fe/Ni adsorbents for nitrate removal in waters. Finally, the absorbance values or nitrate concentrations between 20-120 mg L-1 were measured by the UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The maximum absorption capacity of ZSM-5/Fe/Ni adsorbents for nitrate was obtained 136.7 mg g-1. The developed method based on a novel ZSM-5/Fe/Ni adsorbents has many advantages such as simple, low cost, high efficiency, and favorite recovery.

A core–shell copper oxides-cobalt oxides heterostructure nanowire arrays for nitrate reduction to ammonia with high yield rate

Electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia (NRA) can realize the green synthesis of ammonia (NH3) at ambient conditions, and also remove nitrate contamination in water. However, the current catalysts for NRA still face relatively low NH3 yield rate and poor stability. We present here a core–shell heterostructure comprising cobalt oxide anchored on copper oxide nanowire arrays (CuO NWAs@Co3O4) for efficient NRA. The CuO NWAs@Co3O4 demonstrates significantly enhanced NRA performance in alkaline media in comparison with plain CuO NWAs and Co3O4 flocs. Especially, at −0.23 V vs. RHE, NH3 yield rate of the CuO NWAs@Co3O4 reaches 1.915 mmol h−1 cm−2, much higher than those of CuO NWAs (1.472 mmol h−1 cm−2), Co3O4 flocs (1.222 mmol h−1 cm−2) and recent reported Cu-based catalysts. It is proposed that the synergetic effects of the heterostructure combing atom hydrogen adsorption and nitrate reduction lead to the enhanced NRA performance.

Farmland composition and farming practices explain spatio-temporal variations in red-legged partridge density in central Spain

Many farmland bird populations are declining, and their negative trends are often associated with changes in land-use or farming practices, including the use of agrochemicals. The red-legged partridge (RLP) is a Mediterranean farmland game species of high socio-economic importance whose populations are thought to have declined sharply since the mid-20th century associated with farmland changes. However, no large-scale studies have tested whether abundance or trends of RLP are related to farmland composition or management.We used hierarchical distance sampling models to estimate RLP abundance in 2010 in central Spain (Castilla-La Mancha), a main European population stronghold of this species. We studied associations between RLP density and land-uses (including variation in management: irrigated crops or organic farming). We also assessed regional abundance variation over seven years (2010–2017) and its relationship with changes in land-use.Our results show that RLP abundance increased with the availability of natural vegetation and traditional rain-fed vineyards, but decreased with increasing proportions of tree crops and irrigated vineyards; the latter association was less pronounced in areas sensitive to nitrate contamination in water, where the amount of fertilizers applied in farmland and use of certain farming practices is more strictly regulated. These results support the idea that increases in intensive vineyards are detrimental to the RLP. We also report a strong population decline of RLP in the region, with a 51% abundance reduction in seven years. This decline was steeper in areas where more natural vegetation had been lost and where ecological tree crops had increased.Overall, our results indicate that changes in land-use (type of crop, or the destruction of natural vegetation in farmland) and farming practices (e.g. use of irrigation in certain crops, use of nitrates) have important impacts on this farmland bird, affecting both spatial distribution and population dynamics.

Nitrate contamination of water in dug wells and associated health risks of rural communities in southwest Bangladesh.

Consumption of drinking water with high nitrate may pose a serious health hazard. This study examined nitrate concentration in the water of dug wells at the Jashore district of Bangladesh. A total of 58 water samples were collected from dug wells which are currently in use for drinking water. Concentrations of nitrate in the water range from 0.05 to 430mg/l and from 0.24 to 206mg/l respectively in the wet and dry seasons. About 17% and 14% of the samples during the wet and dry seasons respectively showed nitrate concentration above the WHO guideline value of 50mg/l. The wells with high nitrate concentration showed health risks for adults and children. About 17% of the samples showed a health hazard index (HQnitrate) values above the acceptable limit (HQnitrate values > 1) for adults, in both the wet and dry seasons, whereas 26% and 33% of the water samples in the wet and dry seasons respectively showed HQnitrate values > 1 for children. Therefore, children are more likely to be affected by intaking nitrate-contaminated dug well water. Health risks of elevated nitrate concentration in the dug wells require proper attention to ensure reliable water supply.

Hydrogeophysical monitoring reveals primarily vertical movement of an applied tracer across a shallow, sloping low-permeability till interface: Implications for agricultural nitrate transport

Intensive potato production is an important contributor to groundwater and surface water nitrate contamination in the province of Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. In PEI, the presence of a permeability contrast between soil and the underlying compact basal till at approximately 1 m depth is known to cause temporary perched water table conditions, but the implications for agricultural nitrate transport are not well understood. This study is the first detailed field investigation to examine the impact of the soil – compact basal till interface on vertical and lateral subsurface flow of water and solutes on a moderate hillslope in PEI. A surface-applied tracer test was conducted and a shallow drain-tile pipe system, with a tipping bucket gauge, was installed down-gradient of the tracer application to monitor lateral subsurface flow. In addition, three-dimensional electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) was employed to monitor the evolution of the applied tracer plume over a period of 1 year. A small scale, transient flow and transport model was used to simulate the tracer test and to investigate the sensitivity of tracer transport to selected parameters (primarily, the hydraulic conductivities of the soils and underlying compact basal till). Monitoring, conducted from October 2013 to June 2015, and numerical modeling showed a strong tendency for vertical flow of water and tracer through the soil – compact basal till interface as opposed to lateral down-slope subsurface flow. Water balance calculations estimated a total vertical flow of 94.5% of the infiltration for the October 2014 to January 2015 period. The preference for vertical over lateral flow and transport was consistent with electrical resistivity images for the same time period. These findings indicate that the fate of infiltrating water and dissolved nitrate is the deeper bedrock aquifer water table, and that intermittent perched water table conditions do not result in significant lateral flow toward nearby surface waters.

Recent advances to improve nitrogen efficiency of grain-finishing cattle in North American and Australian feedlots

Formulating diets conservatively for minimum crude-protein (CP) requirements and overfeeding nitrogen (N) is commonplace in grain finishing rations in USA, Canada and Australia. Overfeeding N is considered to be a low-cost and low-risk (to cattle production and health) strategy and is becoming more commonplace in the US with the use of high-N ethanol by-products in finishing diets. However, loss of N from feedlot manure in the form of volatilised ammonia and nitrous oxide, and nitrate contamination of water are of significant environmental concern. Thus, there is a need to improve N-use efficiency of beef cattle production and reduce losses of N to the environment. The most effective approach is to lower N intake of animals through precision feeding, and the application of the metabolisable protein system, including its recent updates to estimation of N supply and recycling. Precision feeding of protein needs to account for variations in the production system, e.g. grain type, liveweight, maturity, use of hormonal growth promotants and β agonists. Opportunities to reduce total N fed to finishing cattle include oscillating supply of dietary CP and reducing supply of CP to better meet cattle requirements (phase feeding).

APPROACH ON DETECTION OF SITUATION OF POTENTIAL RISK TO HEALTH, RELATED TO WATER QUALITY: AN EXAMPLE

This work describes the approach of a situation of potential risk to health due to nitrate contamination in water intended for human consumption, found in a study conducted in 88 municipalities in the Northeast region of the State of São Paulo (Brazil). 4,347 public water supply samples were analysed for 21 physico-chemical and 2 microbiological parameters. A municipality was distinguished from the others with regard to higher nitrate levels, while the principal components analysis showed that it belonged to a group of 14 municipalities (nitrate group). The Sanitary Surveillance Group was then contacted and, after confirmatory tests in new public water supply samples, analyses were performed on water samples from 16 wells in the county. The groundwater contamination was found, and technical meetings were held. One of the deliberations was the repetition of water analyses of the 16 wells. Consolidated results showed that the 5 wells had nitrate levels above the maximum value permitted by legislation. To mitigate nitrate groundwater contamination of that municipality actions are being taken as a result of 3 technical meetings already held. The other municipalities of the nitrate group are being monitored.

Use of an Artificial Sweetener to Identify Sources of Groundwater Nitrate Contamination.

The artificial sweetener acesulfame (ACE) is a potentially useful tracer of waste water contamination in groundwater. In this study, ACE concentrations were measured in waste water and impacted groundwater at 12 septic system sites in Ontario, Canada. All samples of septic tank effluent (n = 37) had ACE >6 µg/L, all samples of groundwater from the proximal plume zones (n = 93) had ACE >1 µg/L and, almost all samples from the distal plume zones had ACE >2 µg/L. Mean mass ratios of total inorganic nitrogen/ACE at the 12 sites ranged from 680 to 3500 for the tank and proximal plume samples. At five sites, decreasing ratio values in the distal zones indicated nitrogen attenuation. These ratios were applied to three aquifers in Canada that are nitrate-stressed and an urban stream where septic systems are present nearby to estimate the amount of waste water nitrate contamination. At the three aquifer locations that are agricultural, low ACE values (<0.02-0.15 µg/L) indicated that waste water contributed <15% of the nitrate in most samples. In groundwater discharging to the urban stream, much higher ACE values (0.2-11 µg/L) indicated that waste water was the likely source of >50% of the nitrate in most samples. This study confirms that ACE is a powerful tracer and demonstrates its use as a diagnostic tool for establishing whether waste water is a significant contributor to groundwater contamination or not.

A stable isotope approach and its application for identifying nitrate source and transformation process in water.

Nitrate contamination of water is a worldwide environmental problem. Recent studies have demonstrated that the nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) isotopes of nitrate (NO3(-)) can be used to trace nitrogen dynamics including identifying nitrate sources and nitrogen transformation processes. This paper analyzes the current state of identifying nitrate sources and nitrogen transformation processes using N and O isotopes of nitrate. With regard to nitrate sources, δ(15)N-NO3(-) and δ(18)O-NO3(-) values typically vary between sources, allowing the sources to be isotopically fingerprinted. δ(15)N-NO3(-) is often effective at tracing NO(-)3 sources from areas with different land use. δ(18)O-NO3(-) is more useful to identify NO3(-) from atmospheric sources. Isotopic data can be combined with statistical mixing models to quantify the relative contributions of NO3(-) from multiple delineated sources. With regard to N transformation processes, N and O isotopes of nitrate can be used to decipher the degree of nitrogen transformation by such processes as nitrification, assimilation, and denitrification. In some cases, however, isotopic fractionation may alter the isotopic fingerprint associated with the delineated NO3(-) source(s). This problem may be addressed by combining the N and O isotopic data with other types of, including the concentration of selected conservative elements, e.g., chloride (Cl(-)), boron isotope (δ(11)B), and sulfur isotope (δ(35)S) data. Future studies should focus on improving stable isotope mixing models and furthering our understanding of isotopic fractionation by conducting laboratory and field experiments in different environments.

Restoration of ponds in rural landscapes: Modelling the effect on nitrate contamination of surface water (the Seine River Basin, France)

Ponds were ubiquitous features of the traditional rural waterscape in the Seine watershed, as shown by the 18th century Cassini map. Using the result of a water quality survey at the entrance and the outlet of a small pond receiving agricultural drainage water, the Seneque/Riverstrahler biogeochemical model was shown to accurately simulate the observed 30% reduction in nitrogen fluxes crossing this pond. The model was then used to simulate the effect of various scenarios of pond restoration (inspired by their 18th century geographical distribution as revealed by the Cassini map) on surface water nitrate contamination at different spatial scales. In regions with an impermeable lithological substrate, the restoration of ponds at a density of 5% of the agricultural area would reduce the riverine nitrogen export by up to 25% on an annual basis. It is suggested that such waterscape management, used in conjunction with more preventive measures, can be a useful means to reduce nitrate contamination of water resources.

The unintended energy impacts of increased nitrate contamination from biofuels production

Increases in corn cultivation for biofuels production, due to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, are likely to lead to increases in nitrate concentrations in both surface and groundwater resources in the United States. These increases might trigger the requirement for additional energy consumption for water treatment to remove the nitrates. While these increasing concentrations of nitrate might pose a human health concern, most water resources were found to be within current maximum contaminant level (MCL) limits of 10 mg L(-1) NO(3)-N. When water resources exceed this MCL, energy-intensive drinking water treatment is required to reduce nitrate levels below 10 mg L(-1). Based on prior estimates of water supplies currently exceeding the nitrate MCL, we calculate that advanced drinking water treatment might require an additional 2360 million kWh annually (for nitrate affected areas only)--a 2100% increase in energy requirements for water treatment in those same areas--to mitigate nitrate contamination and meet the MCL requirement. We predict that projected increases in nitrate contamination in water may impact the energy consumed in the water treatment sector, because of the convergence of several related trends: (1) increasing cornstarch-based ethanol production, (2) increasing nutrient loading in surface water and groundwater resources as a consequence of increased corn-based ethanol production, (3) additional drinking water sources that exceed the MCL for nitrate, and (4) potentially more stringent drinking water standards for nitrate.

Trends in Ground Water Nitrate Contamination in the Phoenix, Arizona Region

AbstractA 60‐year database of nitrate concentrations from more than 200 wells in and around Phoenix, Arizona, was studied using geographic information system tools. This information, augmented with land‐use maps, ground water levels, and well construction details, was used to examine ground water nitrate concentrations and changes in concentration and their relationship to land use, land‐use changes, and changes in hydrologic conditions (as indicated by ground water level changes). Spatially integrated data for the 1960s to 1990s time period suggest slow and subtle temporal changes in the nitrate mass and overall average nitrate concentration in the aquifer, with increases associated with increased nitrogen fertilizer application rates. More recently, declines in nitrate concentration have been observed, which are thought to reflect the combination of declining ground water levels and transitions from agricultural to urban land use in many areas. Temporal trends in ground water nitrate concentration are presented for wells under desert, agricultural, and urban land use and desert‐to‐agriculture, desert‐to‐urban, and agriculture‐to‐urban land‐use change scenarios.

Effect of wheat crop fertilization on nitrogen dynamics and balance in the Humid Pampas, Argentina

Abstract Water contamination by nitrates has increased international awareness. It is widely accepted that massive fertilizer application is the principal factor responsible for water nitrate contamination. During the last years, Argentina has extraordinarily increased the use of fertilizers, particularly on wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). However, few studies have quantified nitrate losses. Here we report N dynamics in soil fractions and N balance in wheat crops in Marcos Juarez, province of Cordoba (Argentina) with the aim of determining nitrate loss and its possible influence on water contamination. Four treatments were studied to evaluate the combined effect of tillage systems and N fertilizer doses on N losses in soil 0–20 cm in depth. The treatments analyzed were: (a) conventional tillage, non-fertilized (CT 0N), (b) no-till and 25 kg N ha −1 (NT 25N), (c) no-till and 50 kg N ha −1 (NT 50N), and (d) no-till and 140 kg N ha −1 (NT 140N). Determinations were: soil total N, NO 3 − -N, NH 4 + -N, microbial biomass N, crop residue biomass, crop residue N, and grain N. N balance was calculated as the difference in N fractions between harvest and sowing samples. N balance was negative in all treatments evaluated; the highest N loss (−1075 kg N ha −1 ) occurred with the highest fertilization rate (140 kg N ha −1 ). Losses of microbial and soluble N fractions were significant at the end of the crop cycle in all the treatments analyzed (15 and 40%, respectively), probably due to leaching by high precipitations (250 mm). Much of the N lost was soil organic matter N, a fact seldom considered in other N balances. Furthermore, it was observed that neither yield efficiency nor the remaining N increased significantly with the highest fertilization dose (140N). Our data show that high doses of nitrogen fertilizer result in low N utilization efficiency and a high risk of water contamination by nitrates.

Fate of Nitrate and Bromide in an Unsaturated Zone of a Sandy Soil under Citrus Production

Understanding water and nutrient transport through the soil profile is important for efficient irrigation and nutrient management to minimize excess nutrient leaching below the rootzone. We applied four rates of N (28, 56, 84, and 112 kg N ha(-1); equivalent to one-fourth of annual N rates being evaluated in this study for bearing citrus trees), and 80 kg Br- ha(-1) to a sandy Entisol with >25-yr-old citrus trees to (i) determine the temporal changes in NO3-N and Br- distribution down the soil profile (2.4 m), and (ii) evaluate the measured concentrations of NO3-N and Br- at various depths with those predicted by the Leaching Estimation and Chemistry Model (LEACHM). Nitrate N and Br concentrations approached the background levels by 42 and 214 d, respectively. Model-predicted volumetric water content and concentrations of NO3-N and Br- at various depths within the entire soil profile were very close to measured values. The LEACHM data showed that 21 to 36% of applied fertilizer N leached below the root zone, while tree uptake accounted for 40 to 53%. Results of this study enhance our understanding of N dynamics in these sandy soils, and provide better evaluation of N and irrigation management to improve uptake efficiency, reduce N losses, and minimize the risk of ground water nitrate contamination from soils highly vulnerable to nutrient leaching.

EFFECTS OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE ON GROUND WATER QUALITY AND AQUIFER STORAGE RECOVERY1

ABSTRACT: Ground water nitrate contamination and water level decline are common concern in Nebraska. Effects of artificial recharge on ground water quality and aquifer storage recovery (ASR) were studied with spreading basins constructed in the highly agricultural region of the Central Platte, Nebraska. A total of 1.10 million m3 of Platte River water recharged the aquifer through 5000 m2 of the recharge basins during 1992, 1993, and 1994. This is equivalent to the quantity needed to completely displace the ground water beneath 34 ha of the local primary aquifer with 13 m thickness and 0.25 porosity. Successful NO3‐N remediation was documented beneath and downgradient of the recharge basins, where NO3‐N declined from 20 to 2 mg L‐1. Ground water atrazine concentrations at the site decreased from 2 to 0.2 mg L‐1 due to recharge. Both NO3‐N and atrazine contamination dramatically improved from concentrations exceeding the maximum contaminant levels to those of drinking water quality. The water table at the site rose rapidly in response to recharge during the early stage then leveled off as infiltration rates declined. At the end of the 1992 recharge season, the water table 12 m downgradient from the basins was elevated 1.36 m above the preproject level; however, at the end of the 1993 recharge season, any increase in the water table from artificial recharge was masked by extremely slow infiltration rates and heavy recharge from precipitation from the wettest growing season in over 100 years. The water table rose 1.37 m during the 1994 recharge season. Resultant ground water quality and ASR improvement from the artificial recharge were measured at 1000 m downgradient and 600 m upgradient from the recharge basins. Constant infiltration rates were not sustained in any of the three years, and rates always decreased with time presumably because of clogging. Scraping the basin floor increased infiltration rates. Using a pulsed recharge to create dry and wet cycles and maintaining low standing water heads in the basins appeared to reduce microbial growth, and therefore enhanced infiltration.