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Improved determination of nitrate isotopes in irrigated agricultural areas and Bayesian mixing model quantification of nitrate sources and fate

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  • Jiang, Weilong
  • Yang, Fang
  • Wang, Xihuan
  • Miao, Qingfeng
  • Ji, Meicheng
  • Pan, Ting
  • Wang, Qianqian
  • Han, Zhiming
  • Feng, Weiying
  • Liao, Haiqing

Abstract

Technological advancements in isotope techniques have been widely utilized in environmental pollution research, particularly for the monitoring of nitrate pollution in water. The utilization of pretreatment with an aqueous nitric acid solution offers numerous advantages in analyzing isotopic composition; however, there is still room for improvement regarding conversion efficiency, reduced reaction time, and cost control. In light of this, this study proposes an enhanced chemical conversion method that involves mitigating the interference caused by the nitrogen azide reaction during the pretreatment process, optimizing the purge gas to remove interfering factors, and improving the inlet device for measuring nitrous oxide. The improved method was applied to determine nitrate isotopes in the Ulansuhai Basin, Inner Mongolia and its reliability was verified through analytical results obtained from bacterial denitrification methods. The mean δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3- values determined using the chemical transformation method were 4.85‰ and 23.44‰, respectively. Compared with the previous method, the improved method enhanced the maneuverability of precise control, the pretreatment time was reduced from 2 to 3 hours to 1.5 hours, and the experimental cost was scaled down to half of the original one. In addition, the contribution of each source was calculated by combining nitrate isotopes with a Bayesian stable isotope mixing model. It was found that manure sewage accounted for (50.1±22.6) % while soil nitrogen sources contributed (25.1±20.4) % to nitrate levels in Ulansuhai Lake's water. The chemical conversion methods successfully improved within this study can also be applied to other watersheds or regions. These research findings provide a valuable theoretical foundation for managing nitrogen sources within watersheds.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiang, Weilong & Yang, Fang & Wang, Xihuan & Miao, Qingfeng & Ji, Meicheng & Pan, Ting & Wang, Qianqian & Han, Zhiming & Feng, Weiying & Liao, Haiqing, 2024. "Improved determination of nitrate isotopes in irrigated agricultural areas and Bayesian mixing model quantification of nitrate sources and fate," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 298(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:298:y:2024:i:c:s0378377424002075
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2024.108872
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jiacheng Li & Ruixue Cao & Qibin Lao & Fajin Chen & Chunqing Chen & Xin Zhou & Yafei Meng & Qingmei Zhu, 2020. "Assessing Seasonal Nitrate Contamination by Nitrate Dual Isotopes in a Monsoon-Controlled Bay with Intensive Human Activities in South China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-16, March.
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    5. Bonaiti, Gabriele & Borin, Maurizio, 2010. "Efficiency of controlled drainage and subirrigation in reducing nitrogen losses from agricultural fields," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 98(2), pages 343-352, December.
    6. Bai, Meijian & Xu, Di & Zhang, Shaohui & Li, Yinong, 2013. "Spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of water-nitrogen and performance evaluation for basin irrigation with conventional fertilization and fertigation methods," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 75-84.
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