1
|
Chen Y, Zeng H, Huang H, Qin L, Qi S, Li H, Shahab A, Zhang H, Chen W. Occurrence and fate of N-nitrosamines in full-scale domestic wastewater treatment plants and their impact on receiving waters along the Lijiang River, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133870. [PMID: 38430594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Domestic wastewaters contaminated with N-nitrosamines pose a significant threat to river ecosystems worldwide, particularly in urban areas with riparian cities. Despite widespread concern, the precise impact of these contaminants on receiving river waters remains uncertain. This study investigated eight N-nitrosamines in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and their adjacent receiving river, the Lijiang River in Guilin City, Southwest China. By analyzing thirty wastewater samples from five full-scale WWTPs and twenty-three river water samples from Guilin, we quantified the mass loads of N-nitrosamines discharged into the surrounding watershed via domestic effluents. The results revealed that N-nitrosodimethylamine (10-60 ng/L), N-nitrosodiethylamine (3.4-22 ng/L), and N-nitrosopyrrolidine (not detected-4.5 ng/g) were predominant in influents, effluents, and sludge, respectively, with the overall removal efficiencies ranging from 17.7 to 65.6% during wastewater treatment. Cyclic activated sludge system and ultraviolet disinfection were effective in removing N-nitrosamines (rates of 59.6% and 24.3%), while chlorine dioxide disinfection promoted their formation. A total of 30.4 g/day of N-nitrosamine mass loads were observed in the Lijiang River water, with domestic effluents contributing about 31.3% (19.4 g/day), followed by livestock breeding wastewater (34.5%, 12.0 g/day), and unknown sources (24.7%, 7.5 g/day). These findings highlight the critical role of WWTPs in transporting N-nitrosamines to watersheds and emphasize the urgent need for further investigation into other potential sources of N-nitrosamine pollution within watersheds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; School of Environmental Studies and State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancashire LA1 4YW, the United Kingdom
| | - Honghu Zeng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Huanfang Huang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Litang Qin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Shihua Qi
- School of Environmental Studies and State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Haixiang Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Asfandyar Shahab
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancashire LA1 4YW, the United Kingdom
| | - Wenwen Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
An L, Li Q, Wu P, Lu W, Li X, Zhang C, Zhang R. Potential impacts of coal mining activities on nitrate sources and transport in a karst river basin in southwest China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:15412-15423. [PMID: 38296925 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32167-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Typical sources of nitrate pollution in the fragile ecological environment of karst areas, such as agricultural production activities and domestic sewage, have long attracted serious concern. However, coal development can play an equally significant role in releasing the nitrogen fixed in coal into surface watersheds in the form of nitrate, nitrite, or ammonia, consequently threatening the water quality of surface water systems in mining areas. In this study, a typical karst surface watershed system affected by coal mining activities was selected for an in-depth investigation with the aim of realistically assessing the potential contribution of coal mining to nitrogen pollution. The results reveal increasingly concerning nitrate pollution from August 2020 to November 2021 in the Huatan River watershed under the influence of anthropogenic activities, especially mining development and agricultural production. Given that the nitrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of nitrate do not support the presence of denitrification, the variation in the NO3-/Cl- ratio and the relatively stable Cl- concentration may be a reflection of nitrification. Although the leaching of atmospheric precipitation on the strata in the basin promoted the release of nitrogen associated with coal mining, the higher rate of nitrogen cycling in the oligotrophic mine water environment limited the contribution of coal mining to nitrogen pollution in the surface watershed. Specifically, the contribution of coal mining activities to nitrogen pollution in surface karst river is mainly NH4+-N, which contributes 10% or less to the nitrate input to the waters of the Huatan River. The findings thus highlight the necessity of further uncovering the geochemical cycling process of nitrogen during the transport of mine water in the coal mining environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li An
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Qingguang Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Pan Wu
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Weiqi Lu
- School of Public Management, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Xuexian Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Chipeng Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Ruixue Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Awais M, Naqvi SMZA, Zhang H, Li L, Zhang W, Awwad FA, Ismail EAA, Khan MI, Raghavan V, Hu J. AI and machine learning for soil analysis: an assessment of sustainable agricultural practices. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2023; 10:90. [PMID: 38647622 PMCID: PMC10992573 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-023-00710-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Sustainable agricultural practices help to manage and use natural resources efficiently. Due to global climate and geospatial land design, soil texture, soil-water content (SWC), and other parameters vary greatly; thus, real time, robust, and accurate soil analytical measurements are difficult to be developed. Conventional statistical analysis tools take longer to analyze and interpret data, which may have delayed a crucial decision. Therefore, this review paper is presented to develop the researcher's insight toward robust, accurate, and quick soil analysis using artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL), and machine learning (ML) platforms to attain robustness in SWC and soil texture analysis. Machine learning algorithms, such as random forests, support vector machines, and neural networks, can be employed to develop predictive models based on available soil data and auxiliary environmental variables. Geostatistical techniques, including kriging and co-kriging, help interpolate and extrapolate soil property values to unsampled locations, improving the spatial representation of the data set. The false positivity in SWC results and bugs in advanced detection techniques are also evaluated, which may lead to wrong agricultural practices. Moreover, the advantages of AI data processing over general statistical analysis for robust and noise-free results have also been discussed in light of smart irrigation technologies. Conclusively, the conventional statistical tools for SWCs and soil texture analysis are not enough to practice and manage ergonomic land management. The broader geospatial non-numeric data are more suitable for AI processing that may soon help soil scientists develop a global SWC database.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Awais
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Syed Muhammad Zaigham Abbas Naqvi
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Linze Li
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Fuad A Awwad
- Department of Quantitative Analysis, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, P.O. Box 71115, Riyadh 11587, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad A A Ismail
- Department of Quantitative Analysis, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, P.O. Box 71115, Riyadh 11587, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Ijaz Khan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Riphah International University, I-14, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lebanese American University, Kraytem, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Vijaya Raghavan
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Jiandong Hu
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li Q, An L, Wu P, Wang S, Gu S, Yuan Y, Fu Y. The introduction of nitrogen from coal into the surface watershed nitrogen cycle due to coal mining activity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165822. [PMID: 37524178 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Human activity has doubled the turnover rate of the terrestrial nitrogen cycle, leading to a series of environmental problems. A little-studied nitrogen source in terrestrial and aquatic environments is the nitrogen release associated with rock strata. Southwest China features the largest continuous karsts in the world, featuring a fragile ecological environment but abundant coal resources. The current study selected a typical coal mining area to evaluate the migration and transformation of nitrogen related to coal mining in surface watershed. The findings reveal that the total nitrogen in coal seams was as high as 10,162.3 mg/kg, mainly in the form of organic nitrogen, followed by NH4+-N, while the content of NO3--N was negligible. Based on the isotope fractionation and the co-evolution between Δ15NNO3-NH4 and δ15N-NO3-/δ15N-NH4+, coal mining changed the coal seams' oxidation-reduction state, resulting in the mineralization of organic nitrogen to NH4+-N. Next, NH4+-N gradually oxidized to NO3--N. Various forms of coal-origin nitrogen may be leached out by acid mine drainage (AMD), potentially contributing >10 % of NO3--N and 90 % of NH4+-N to the surface river. Another nitrogen source that requires serious consideration is the wide use of ammonium nitrate explosives in coal mining, as blasting residues may contribute about another 10 % to NO3--N in surface water. Since organic nitrogen accounts for >90 % of extractable nitrogen, the release of coal-origin nitrogen may contribute much more to the total nitrogen in surface water than to NO3--N. Based on the fractionation of nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate, low-pH AMD promotes the volatilization of nitrate in the form of nitric acid. The conversion of different forms of nitrogen in AMD will be the focus of future attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingguang Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Li An
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Pan Wu
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Shilu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Shangyi Gu
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yongqiang Yuan
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yong Fu
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu H, Xiao Q, Dai Y, Chen D, Zhang C, Jiang Y, Xie J. Selected Bacteria Are Critical for Karst River Carbon Sequestration via Integrating Multi-omics and Hydrochemistry Data. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:3043-3056. [PMID: 37831075 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02307-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Recalcitrant dissolved organic carbon (RDOC) produced by microbial carbon pumps (MCPs) in the ocean is crucial for carbon sequestration and regulating climate change in the history of Earth. However, the importance of microbes on RDOC formation in terrestrial aquatic systems, such as rivers and lakes, remains to be determined. By integrating metagenomic (MG) and metatranscriptomic (MT) sequencing, we defined the microbial communities and their transcriptional activities in both water and silt of a typical karst river, the Lijiang River, in Southwest China. Betaproteobacteria predominated in water, serving as the most prevalent population remodeling components of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Binning method recovered 45 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from water and silt. Functional annotation of MAGs showed Proteobacteria was less versatile in degrading complex carbon, though cellulose and chitin utilization genes were widespread in this phylum, whereas Bacteroidetes had high potential for the utilization of macro-molecular organic carbon. Metabolic remodeling revealed that increased shared metabolites within the bacterial community are associated with increased concentration of DOC, highlighting the significance of microbial cooperation during producing and remodeling of carbon components. Beta-oxidation, leucine degradation, and mevalonate (MVA) modules were significantly positively correlated with the concentration of RDOC. Blockage of the leucine degradation pathway in Limnohabitans and UBA4660-related MAGs were associated with decreased RDOC in the karst river, while the Fluviicola-related MAG containing a complete leucine degradation pathway was positively correlated with RDOC concentration. Collectively, our study revealed the linkage between bacteria metabolic processes and carbon sequestration. This provided novel insights into the microbial roles in karst-rivers carbon sink.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiang Xu
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environment of Three Gorges Reservoir, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qiong Xiao
- Institute of Karst Geology, CAGS, Key Laboratory on Karst Dynamics, MNR & Guangxi, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Yongdong Dai
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environment of Three Gorges Reservoir, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Dexin Chen
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environment of Three Gorges Reservoir, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Institute of Karst Geology, CAGS, Key Laboratory on Karst Dynamics, MNR & Guangxi, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Yongjun Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Karst Environment & School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Jianping Xie
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-environment of Three Gorges Reservoir, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Karst Environment & School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhu D, Cheng X, Li W, Niu F, Wen J. Characteristic of water quality indicators and its response to climate conditions in the middle and lower reaches of Lijiang River, China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:396. [PMID: 36780021 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
With global climate change and increasingly extreme weather conditions, the water quality of the Lijiang River Basin (LRB) is facing huge threats. At present, there is still a lack of systematic research on water quality indicators and the influence of indirect factors such as meteorological factors on it in the LRB. Therefore, this study is based on the meteorological, hydrological, and water quality data of the LRB from 2012 to 2018, using the Mann-Kendall test, Morlet wavelet method, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, sensitivity, and contribution rate to quantitative analysis of the relationship between climate conditions and water quality indicators. The results show that the change trends of these hydrological and climatic conditions have almost no significant sudden change; precipitation and streamflow are decreasing each year; the streamflow trend exhibits time hysteresis; precipitation has a stronger influence downstream than on the local area; water quality indicators of both stations exhibited a change period of around 18 to 20 months, with the exception of pH. Water quality indicators are insensitive to precipitation and streamflow, and sensitive to humidity and wind speed; DO was negatively correlated with climate indicators apart from wind speed; almost all water quality indicators in Yangshuo are highly sensitive to air temperature, and the contribution rate of air temperature to ORP and TP reached 4.81% and 3.56%, respectively; sunshine duration has a positive impact on reducing NH4-N and TP. The difference between Yangshuo and Guilin is mostly due to the input of external sources on both sides of the Lijiang River, which results in variations in climate conditions sensitivities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dantong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Institution of Geotechnical Engineering, School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Xiangju Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- Institution of Geotechnical Engineering, School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Wuhua Li
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Fujun Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Institution of Geotechnical Engineering, School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Jianhui Wen
- Guilin Environmental Monitoring Center, Guilin, 541002, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen X, Zheng L, Zhu M, Jiang C, Dong X, Chen Y. Quantitative identification of nitrate and sulfate sources of a multiple land-use area impacted by mine drainage. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 325:116551. [PMID: 36283198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The rapid increase in urbanization and intensive coal mining activities have accelerated the deterioration of surface water quality. Environmental problems caused by the accumulation of nitrate and sulfate from natural, urban, and agricultural sources have attracted extensive attention. Information on nitrate and sulfate sources and their transformations is crucial for understanding the nitrogen and sulfur cycles in surface water. In this study, we monitored nitrate and sulfate in three representative rivers in mining cities in northern China. The main pollution sources and biogeochemical processes were identified by using stable isotopes (δD, δ18OH2O, δ15N, δ18ONO3, δ34S and δ18OSO4) and hydrochemistry. The contribution of natural and anthropogenic sources was quantitatively estimated based on a Bayesian mixed model. The results indicated a large variation in sulfate and nitrate sources between the different rivers. Nitrate in the Tuohe River mainly derived from manure/sewage (57.9%) and soil N (26.9%), while sulfate mainly derived from manure/sewage (41.7%) and evaporite dissolution (26.8%). For the Suihe River, nitrate was primarily sourced from chemical fertilizer (37.9%) and soil nitrogen (34.8%), while sulfate was mainly sourced from manure/sewage (33.1%) and chemical fertilizer (21.4%). For the Huihe River, nitrate mainly derived from mine drainage (56.6%) and manure/sewage (30.6%), while sulfate predominantly originated from mine drainage (58.3%) and evaporite dissolution (12.9%). Microbial nitrification was the major pathway for the migration and transformation of nitrate in the surface water. However, denitrification and bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) did not play a significant role as aerobic conditions prevailed. In this study, we elucidated the sources and transformation mechanisms of nitrate and sulfate. Additionally, we provided a reference for formulating a comprehensive strategy for effective management and remediation of surface water contaminated with nitrate and sulfate in mining cities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
| | - Liugen Zheng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
| | - Manzhou Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Chunlu Jiang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Xianglin Dong
- Geological Survey Division, Huaibei Coal Mining Group Corporation, Huaibei, 235001, Anhui, China
| | - Yongchun Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory of Coal Mine Ecological Environment Protection, Huainan, 232001, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu P, Xiao Q, Guo Y, Prelovšek M, Yu Q, Wang Q. Migration, transformation and nitrate source in the Lihu Underground River based on dual stable isotopes of δ 15N-NO 3- and δ 18O-NO 3. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:48661-48674. [PMID: 35195868 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19277-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3-) pollution is a common phenomenon in karst underground rivers, which are important water sources in karst landscapes. For drinking water safety and environmental protection, it is crucial to accurately identify NO3- sources and their migration and transformation processes in the Lihu Underground River. In this study, water samples of the Lihu Underground River in Guangxi were collected in May 2014, October 2014, January 2015, and July 2015, and water chemical and dual isotopic (δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3-) approaches were used to evaluate the NO3- characteristics and sources in the Lihu Underground River. The concentration of NO3- in the Lihu Underground River ranged from 1.16 to 19.78 mg·L-1, with an average of 9.30 mg·L-1, which is more than 37% of the WHO standard (10 mg·L-1). The concentrations of NO3- in the wet season (May 2014 and July 2015) were slightly lower than those in the dry season (from October 2014 to January 2015) at most sampling sites due to dilution effects. The migration and transformation processes of NO3- were analyzed by comparing the measured and calculated concentrations of NO3- in the Lihu Underground River. In the dry season (from October 2014 to January 2015), the variation in NO3- concentration upstream and midstream of the Lihu Underground River was affected by exogenous input and nitrification. From midstream to the outlet of Xiaolongdong, it is affected by self-purification factors, including physical processes, chemical processes, and biological processes. In the wet season (May 2014 and July 2015), the dilution and mixing effects were the main factors controlling the variation in NO3- concentration in the Lihu Underground River. The contribution rates of potential NO3- sources (incl. atmospheric precipitation (AP), NO3- fertilizer (NF), NH4+ in fertilizer and rainfall (NFA), soil organic nitrogen (SON), and manure and sewage (M&S)) were quantitatively evaluated by using the IsoSource model. The results showed that in May 2014, the main sources of NO3- were M&S and NF, with contribution rates of 46% and 41%, respectively. In October 2014, NO3- sources were M&S with a contribution rate of 47%, followed by NFA with a contribution rate of 31%. In January 2015, NO3- sources in groundwater were M&S, with a contribution rate of 53%, followed by NFA (34%). In July 2015, the main NO3- sources were M&S and NF, whose contribution rates were 54% and 39%, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peiyan Wu
- China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MLR & Guangxi, Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Qiong Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MLR & Guangxi, Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Guilin, 541004, China.
| | - Yongli Guo
- Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MLR & Guangxi, Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Guilin, 541004, China
| | | | - Qiong Yu
- China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MLR & Guangxi, Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Guilin, 541004, China
| | - Qigang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MLR & Guangxi, Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Guilin, 541004, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang J, Cao M, Jin M, Huang X, Zhang Z, Kang F. Identifying the source and transformation of riverine nitrates in a karst watershed, North China: Comprehensive use of major ions, multiple isotopes and a Bayesian model. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2022; 246:103957. [PMID: 35176529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2022.103957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3-) contamination of surface water is a globally concern, especially in karstic regions affected by intensive agricultural activities. This study combines hydrochemistry, and environmental isotopes (δ2HH2O, δ18OH2O, δ15NNO3, and δ18ONO3) with a Bayesian isotope mixing model (Simmr) to reduce the uncertainty in estimating the contributions of different pollution sources. Samples were collected from 32 surface water sites in the Yufu River (YFR) watershed, North China, in September and December 2019. The results revealed that NO3--N was the predominant form of inorganic nitrogen that caused the deterioration of water quality in the watershed, accounting for approximately 58% of the total nitrogen (TN). The hydrochemical compositions and nitrate isotopes indicated that NO3- mainly originated from soil nitrogen (SN), ammonium fertilizer (AF), but nitrate fertilizer (NF), manure and sewage (M&S) and atmospheric precipitation (AP) were limited. The isotopic composition of nitrate in the upper reaches of the watershed was mainly affected by microbial nitrification, while the mixture of multiple sources was the dominant nitrogen transformation process in the mid-lower reaches of the watershed. Simmr model outputs revealed that SN (56.5%) and AF (29.5%) were the primary contributor to riverine NO3- pollution, followed by NF (7.1%), MS (3.6%), and AP (3.4%) sources. Moreover, an uncertainty index (UI90) of the isotope mixing showed that SN (0.73) and AF (0.67) had the highest values, followed by NF (0.22), M&S (0.22) and AP (0.10). Chemical fertilizer and SN collectively contributed >50% of nitrate during the two sampling campaigns. These results indicated that reducing the application of nitrogen fertilizers and rational irrigation are the keys to alleviate of NO3- pollution. The study is helpful in understanding the source and transformation of riverine NO3- and effectively reducing NO3- pollution in karst agricultural rivers or watersheds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, PR China; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, PR China
| | - Mingda Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, PR China; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, PR China
| | - Menggui Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, PR China; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Xin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, PR China; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, PR China
| | - Zhixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, PR China; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fengxin Kang
- Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, Jinan 250013, Shandong, PR China; Shandong Provincial Research Center of Groundwater Environment Protection and Remediation, Jinan 250014, Shandong, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cao X, Yang S, Wu P, Liu S, Liao J. Coupling stable isotopes to evaluate sources and transformations of nitrate in groundwater and inflowing rivers around the Caohai karst wetland, Southwest China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:45826-45839. [PMID: 33880699 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate is one of the most common pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in highly vulnerable karst aquifers. In Caohai Lake, an important karst wetland in southwestern China, karst surface water and groundwater are important recharge water sources, and nitrates flow into the wetland along with the surface water and groundwater, degrading the wetland water quality. Therefore, identifying the sources of nitrate in the surface water and groundwater in the Caohai catchment is of great significance to the protection of the wetland water environment. In this study, the nitrate concentrations, hydrochemistry and multiple stable isotope ratios (δ18O-H2O, δD-H2O, δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3-) were used to identify the sources and fate of the NO3- in the groundwater and inflowing rivers around the Caohai wetland. The results showed that the NO3- concentrations in the groundwater samples from the southern side exceeded the WHO limit during the wet season, while other samples did not exceed the limit. The mean concentrations of NO3- in groundwater were higher than those in the inflowing river water, and NO3- concentrations decreased in the order of wet season>dry season>normal season in the groundwater and inflowing rivers. The hydrochemistry and multiple isotope ratios suggest that the nitrate transformation was dominated by nitrification processes, while denitrification had an influence on the transformation of NO3- (as evidenced by isotopes) in groundwater during the dry season. According to the analyses based on a stable isotope analysis in R (SIAR), sewage and manure were the main sources of NO3- in the groundwater, while sewage, manure and chemical fertilizer were the major sources of NO3- in the inflowing river water; therefore, the scientific use of farmland fertilizers and the treatment of domestic sewage should be strengthened to safeguard groundwater quality and control the NO3- concentrations in rivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Cao
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environmental, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Shidi Yang
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environmental, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Pan Wu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environmental, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Shan Liu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environmental, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jiahao Liao
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environmental, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xie H, Huang C, Li J, Zhang Y, Xu X, Liu D, Ouyang Z. Strong Precipitation and Human Activity Spur Rapid Nitrate Deposition in Estuarine Delta: Multi-Isotope and Auxiliary Data Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126221. [PMID: 34201294 PMCID: PMC8229497 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The intensive development of the Yellow River Delta has caused huge transportation of non-point pollutants into the Bohai Sea through source river estuaries and thus poses a considerable threat to eco-environmental security in the region. Long-term irrigation in the Yellow River basin, with occasional heavy rainfall and the related effects of ensuring hydrological processes and human activities in terms of nitrate N transport via surface water systems, is unclear. Using stable isotope (δ2H-H2O and δ18O-H2O, δ15N-NO3− and δ18O-NO3−) and auxiliary geographic data, the ISO source model was run to quantitatively analyze the supply relationship of river systems and the rapid change in the spatial pattern of nitrate N due to heavy rainfall in the estuarine delta. This analysis made clear the dominant contribution of agricultural activities and urbanization to NO3−-N emission, on which basis refined management measures were proposed to deal with NO3− in surface water from the “source-process”. The results of the study show that: (1) The relationship of surface water replenishment in the Yellow River Delta was affected not only by rainfall, irrigation, and other water conservancy measures but also the proportion of water from Yellow River flow declined from the source to estuary; (2) To a certain extent, rainfall diluted the concentration of nitrate N in the river and increased instantaneous flux of nitrate N into the sea, where nitrate N flux continuously increased from upstream to downstream; (3) The rapid deposition of nitrate in the estuary delta was driven by heavy rainfall and human activities such as excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers, rapid urbanization, and livestock waste discharge, and; (4) Scientific measures were needed to realize the interactive effect of the output of non-point source pollutants and the carrying and absorption capacity of coastal fragile ecosystems of the exogenous inputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanyou Xie
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (H.X.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- College of Resource and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (H.X.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-10-6488-9300
| | - Yitao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (H.X.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
| | - Xiangbo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (H.X.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- UN Environment-International Ecosystem Management Partnership (UNEP-IEMP), Beijing 100101, China
| | - Deyao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (H.X.); (Y.Z.); (X.X.); (D.L.)
- College of Resource and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhu Ouyang
- Yellow River Delta Modern Agricultural Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen SN, Yue FJ, Liu XL, Zhong J, Yi YB, Wang WF, Qi Y, Xiao HY, Li SL. Seasonal variation of nitrogen biogeochemical processes constrained by nitrate dual isotopes in cascade reservoirs, Southwestern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:26617-26627. [PMID: 33492596 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12505-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The increase of affected river reaches by reservoirs has drastically disturbed the original hydrological conditions, and subsequently influenced the nutrient biogeochemistry in the aquatic system, particularly in the cascade reservoir system. To understand the seasonal variation of nitrogen (N) behaviors in cascade reservoirs, hydrochemistry and nitrate dual isotopes (δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3-) were conducted in a karst watershed (Wujiang River) in southwest China. The results showed that NO3--N accounted for almost 90% of the total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) concentration with high average concentration 3.8 ± 0.4 mg/L among four cascade reservoirs. Higher N concentration (4.0 ± 0.8 mg/L) and larger longitudinal variation were observed in summer than in other seasons. The relationship between the variation of NO3--N and dual isotopes in the profiles demonstrated that nitrification was dominated transformation, while assimilation contributed significantly in the epilimnion during spring and summer. The high dissolved oxygen concentration in the present cascade reservoirs system prevented the occurrence of N depletion processes in most of the reservoirs. Denitrification occurred in the oldest reservoir during winter with a rate ranging from 18 to 28%. The long-term record of surface water TDN concentration in reservoirs demonstrated an increase from 2.0 to 3.6 mg/L during the past two decades (~ 0.1 mg/L per year). The seasonal nitrate isotopic signature and continuously increased fertilizer application demonstrated that chemical fertilizer contribution significantly influenced NO3--N concentration in the karst cascade reservoirs. The research highlighted that the notable N increase in karst cascade reservoirs could influence the aquatic health in the region and further investigations were required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Nan Chen
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Fu-Jun Yue
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Xiao-Long Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Jun Zhong
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yuan-Bi Yi
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Wan-Fa Wang
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yulin Qi
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Hua-Yun Xiao
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Si-Liang Li
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Earth Critical Zone Science and Sustainable Development in Bohai Rim, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|