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Xu F, Bao J, Liu Q, He X, Zhou Y, Wang H, Xing J, Zhou L, Yuan J. Simultaneous natural attenuation of Cr(VI) and nitrate in the hyporheic zone sediments from an upstream tributary of the Jinsha River in the Sichuan Basin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174145. [PMID: 38909795 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The coexistence of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and nitrate (NO3-) in groundwater and surface water presents a considerable challenge for the natural attenuation of these two contaminants because their interactions in nature remain contentious. This study investigated the interplay between Cr(VI) and NO3- in hyporheic zone (HZ) sediments by integrating Cr(VI) reduction kinetics, NO3- transformation, microbial community structure, and a three-rate model. The concurrent natural attenuation of Cr(VI) and NO3- in the sediments was significantly influenced by their initial concentrations and redox conditions. The reduction of low concentrations of Cr(VI) (37.1 and 96.2 μM) was slightly enhanced by NO3-, while inhibitory effects were observed at high concentrations of Cr(VI) (200.0 μM). However, except for an initial low concentration of Cr(VI) (37.1 μM) and NO3- (450 μM), the reduction of NO3- was adversely affected by Cr(VI). The reduction rates and efficiencies of Cr(VI) and NO3- were noticeably lower under aerobic conditions than under anaerobic conditions. This phenomenon can be attributed to the presence of O2, which decreased the selectivity of sediments-associated Fe(II) towards Cr(VI) and NO3- and induced alterations in the microbial community structure, leading to subsequent changes in NO3- transformation. Furthermore, the three-rate model represents a robust approach for elucidating the reduction of Cr(VI) in the presence of co-contaminants, such as NO3- contamination under diverse redox conditions. This study provides further insights into the interaction mechanism between Cr(VI) and NO3- within the HZ, necessitating the consideration of the microbial toxicity of Cr(VI) and electron competition among Cr(VI), NO3-, and O2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China
| | - Junqin Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia He
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiamin Xing
- College of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China
| | - Lun Zhou
- Zhongshan Public Water Investment Co., Ltd, Zhongshan 528403, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfei Yuan
- Chengdu Center, China Geological Survey (Geosciences Innovation Center of Southwest China), Chengdu 610218, People's Republic of China.
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Shi H, Du Y, Xiong Y, Deng Y, Li Q. Source-oriented health risk assessment of groundwater nitrate by using EMMTE coupled with HHRA model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173283. [PMID: 38759927 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173283] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Conventional concentration-oriented approaches for nitrate risk diagnosis only provide overall risk levels without identifying risk values of individual sources or sources accountable for potential health risks. Therefore, a hybrid model combining the end-member mixing model tool on Excel™ (EMMTE) with human health risk assessment (HHRA) was developed to assess the source-oriented health risks for groundwater nitrate, particularly in the Poyang Lake Plain (PLP) region. The results indicated that the EMMTE and the Bayesian stable isotope mixing model (MixSIAR) exhibited remarkable consistency in source apportionment of groundwater nitrate. The source contribution of groundwater nitrate in PLP was related to land use types, hydrogeological conditions, and soil properties. Notably, manure and sewage sources, contributing up to 53.4 %, represented the largest nitrate pollution sources, with a significant contribution of soil nitrogen and nitrogen fertilizers. The non-carcinogenic risk for four potential sources was below the acceptable threshold of 1. Given the factors including rainfall dilution and economic development, attention should be directed towards mitigating the health risks posed by manure and sewage. This study can verify the efficacy of EMMTE in source apportionment and offer valuable insights for decision-makers to regulate the largest sources of nitrate contamination and enhance groundwater management efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Quality and Health, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; School of Environmental Studies, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Yao Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Quality and Health, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; School of Environmental Studies, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China.
| | - Yaojin Xiong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Quality and Health, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; School of Environmental Studies, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Yamin Deng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Quality and Health, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; School of Environmental Studies, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Qinghua Li
- Wuhan Center of China Geological Survey, Wuhan 430205, China.
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3
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Perović M, Obradović V, Zuber-Radenković V, Knoeller K, Mitrinović D, Čepić Z. The comprehensive evaluation of nitrate origin and transformation pathways in the oxic alluvial aquifer in Serbia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:33030-33046. [PMID: 38671265 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33403-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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Accurate pollution source identification is essential for establishing adequate water management strategies, particularly in groundwater with slow flow and prolonged recharge process allowing long-term pollution retention. An integrated study based on hydrogeochemical, dual isotopic (δ15NNO3 and δ18ONO3), and microbiological approaches (DN, IRB, and SRB BART tests) along with the statistical data processing was conducted to determine nitrate origin and fate in oxic alluvial groundwater source Ključ in Serbia. The findings from a comprehensive investigation, encompassing 20 groundwater sampling locations during the period 2010-2019, delineated three distinct zones - the hinterland (anthropogenic impact area-untreated sewage inflow), the middle zone (area of mixed influence from fertilizer application, accompanied by a mitigated anthropogenic impact), and the zone of riparian denitrification. Significant linear relationship between anthropogenic impact parameters (Na, Cl, B, NO3-, NH4+, and electrical conductivity) along with the isotopic signatures (δ15N-NO3- ranking from + 10.01 to + 11.18‰ and δ18O-NO3- ranking from + 1.15 to + 6.24‰) and grouped sampling objects by cluster analysis indicated that hinterland is burdened by the nitrates originating from anthropogenic impact. The cross-section of groundwater flow data, concurrent increase of NH4+, and pH levels, along with the highest values of δ15N-NO3- (+ 12.90‰) and δ18O-NO3- (+ 9.70‰), indicated area of fertilizers (urea) impact. BART test results, pH increase, and low oxygen concentration, along with the groundwater flow data in riparian zone, indicated the unfolding of denitrification process. Presented research emphasizes the importance, necessities, and advantages of simultaneous and complementary use of hydrogeochemical, microbiological, and isotopic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Perović
- Jaroslav Černi Water Institute, Jaroslava Černog 80, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Vesna Obradović
- Jaroslav Černi Water Institute, Jaroslava Černog 80, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Kay Knoeller
- Department Catchment Hydrology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
- Institute for Applied Geosciences, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 9, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - David Mitrinović
- Jaroslav Černi Water Institute, Jaroslava Černog 80, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Čepić
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Wang D, Li P, Mu D, Liu W, Chen Y, Fida M. Unveiling the biogeochemical mechanism of nitrate in the vadose zone-groundwater system: Insights from integrated microbiology, isotope techniques, and hydrogeochemistry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167481. [PMID: 37788773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Clarifying the biogeochemical mechanism of nitrate (NO3-) in the vadose zone-groundwater system, particularly in agricultural contexts, is crucial for mitigating groundwater NO3- pollution. However, comprehensive studies on the impacts of changes in chemical indicators and microbial communities on NO3- are still lacking. This paper aims to address this gap by employing hydrogeochemistry, stable isotopes, and microbial techniques to assess the NO3- biogeochemical processes in the vadose zone-groundwater system. The findings suggested that NO3- in upper soil layers was primarily influenced by plant root absorption, assimilation, and nitrification processes. The oxygen contents gradually decreased with the nitrification process, resulting in the occurrence of the denitrification. However, denitrification predominantly occurred in the 60-80 cm soil layer in the study area. The limited thickness of the denitrification layer results in less NO3- consumption, leading to increased NO3- leaching into groundwater. Hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics further indicated that groundwater NO3- concentrations were mainly controlled by nitrification, followed by denitrification and mixing processes. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed great influences of soil sampling depths and groundwater NO3- concentrations on the microbial community structure. Additionally, the PICRUSt2-based prediction results demonstrated a stronger potential for dissimilatory reduction of NO3- to ammonium (DNRA) in both soil and groundwater compared to the other processes, potentially due to the widespread presence of the nrfH functional genes. However, the chemical indicators and isotopes used in this study did not support the occurrence of DNRA process in the vadose zone-groundwater system. This finding highlights the importance of an integrated approach combining microbiological, isotopic, and hydrogeochemical data to comprehensive understanding biogeochemical processes. The study developed a conceptual model elucidating the NO3- biogeochemical processes in the vadose zone-groundwater system within an agricultural area, contributing to enhanced comprehension and advancement of sustainable management practices for groundwater nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peiyue Li
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Dawei Mu
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weichao Liu
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yinfu Chen
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Misbah Fida
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710054, Shaanxi, China
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5
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Marković T, Karlović I, Orlić S, Kajan K, Smith AC. Tracking the nitrogen cycle in a vulnerable alluvial system using a multi proxy approach: Case study Varaždin alluvial aquifer, Croatia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158632. [PMID: 36087668 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158632] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
At high concentrations nitrate is considered a serious environmental pollutant which degrades the quality of ground and surface waters. Such high nitrate concentrations (>50 mg NO3/L) have been observed for decades in the alluvial aquifer in the Varaždin region of Croatia. Here we employ a novel cross disciplinary approach (dual isotopes, chemical, bacteria diversity and mixing modelling) to determine sources of nitrate and processes that can influence nitrate concentration within this vulnerable alluvial aquifer. Ten groundwater wells were sampled across the region and in different hydrological conditions for basic chemical, stable isotopes (δ18O-H2O, δ2H-H2O, δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3), and bacterial diversity analyses. In addition, solid samples, i.e. soil samples and fertilizers were collected and analysed for bulk δ15N. The primary nitrate sources were manure, sewage, soil organic N, and ammonia fertilizers, however we observe no clear evidence to indicate that synthetic fertilizers are a major contributor to groundwater nitrate concentrations. Whilst denitrification was observed in the parts of the study area with dissolved oxygen (DO) deficiency, i.e. anoxic conditions, nitrification has been identified as the major process responsible for nitrate behaviour within the aquifer system. Our results will facilitate the creation of a conceptual model of nitrate behaviour in the study area and from this, a numerical groundwater nitrate transport model. These data, understanding of nitrate dynamics and subsequent models will be critical for future sustainable water and agricultural management of the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Marković
- Croatian Geological Survey, Milana Sachsa 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Igor Karlović
- Croatian Geological Survey, Milana Sachsa 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sandi Orlić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Katarina Kajan
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andrew C Smith
- British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK.
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Shu W, Wang P, Zhao J, Ding M, Zhang H, Nie M, Huang G. Sources and migration similarly determine nitrate concentrations: Integrating isotopic, landscape, and biological approaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158216. [PMID: 36028031 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Rapid land use change has significantly increased nitrate (NO3-) loading to rivers, leading to eutrophication, and posing water security problems. Determining the sources of NO3- to waters and the underlying influential factors is critical for effectively reducing pollution and better managing water resources. Here, we identified the sources and influencing mechanisms of NO3- in a mixed land-use watershed by integrating stable isotopes (δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3-), molecular biology, water chemistry, and landscape metrics measurements. Weak transformation processes of NO3- were identified in the river, as evinced by water chemistry, isotopes, species compositions, and predicted microbial genes related to nitrogen metabolism. NO3- concentrations were primarily influenced by exogenous inputs (i.e., from soil nitrogen (NS), nitrogen fertilizer (NF), and manure & sewage (MS)). The proportions of NO3- sources seasonally varied. In the wet season, the source contributions followed the order of NS (38.6 %) > NF (31.4 %) > atmospheric deposition (ND, 16.2 %) > MS (13.8 %). In the dry season, the contributions were in the order of MS (39.2 %) > NS (29.2 %) > NF (29 %) > ND (2.6 %). Farmland and construction land were the original factors influencing the spatial distribution of NO3- in the wet and dry seasons, respectively, while slope, basin relief (HD), hypsometric integral (HI), and COHESION, HD were the primary indicators associated with NO3- transport in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Additionally, spatial scale differences were observed for the effects of landscape structure on NO3- concentrations, with the greatest effect at the 1000-m buffer zone scale in the wet season and at the sub-basin scale in the dry season. This study overcomes the limitation of isotopes in identifying nitrate sources by combining multiple approaches and provides new research perspectives for the determination of nitrate sources and migration in other watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Shu
- School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, Jiangxi, China; Sino-Danish College of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China; Sino-Danish Centre for Education and Research, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Jun Zhao
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Minjun Ding
- School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, Jiangxi, China
| | - Minghua Nie
- School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, Jiangxi, China
| | - Gaoxiang Huang
- School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, Jiangxi, China
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Zhang J, Niu Y, Zhou Y, Ju S, Gu Y. Green preparation of nano-zero-valent iron-copper bimetals for nitrate removal: Characterization, reduction reaction pathway, and mechanisms. ADV POWDER TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apt.2022.103807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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8
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Chakraborty A, Suchy M, Hubert CRJ, Ryan MC. Vertical stratification of microbial communities and isotope geochemistry tie groundwater denitrification to sampling location within a nitrate-contaminated aquifer. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153092. [PMID: 35038526 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate pollution is a major threat to groundwater quality in agricultural areas. Natural attenuation of nitrate in contaminated aquifers is mediated by denitrifying microbial populations in anoxic environments. Vertical distribution of denitrifying microbial communities in aquifers is greatly influenced by groundwater redox conditions, local hydrogeological parameters, and seasonal variability in groundwater flow and recharge. In this study, we investigated groundwater geochemistry and the composition of bacterial and archaeal communities with increasing depth in a shallow nitrate-contaminated aquifer in British Columbia, Canada. High-resolution passive diffusion sampling was conducted to collect groundwater at 10-cm intervals from 4 to 20 m below ground surface (mbgs) in the aquifer. Geochemical analyses of major ions indicated a general shift in the groundwater chemistry below 16 mbgs including decreasing chloride concentrations that suggest two-end member mixing of shallow and deep groundwater with different chemistries. A redoxcline was further observed within a 2 m transition zone at 18-20 mbgs characterized by sharp declines in nitrate concentrations and increases in sulfate and total inorganic carbon. Excursions in δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3- in the same depth interval are consistent with denitrification, and a concomitant decrease in δ34S-SO42- suggested that denitrification was coupled to sulfide or sulfur oxidation. Microbial communities within this depth interval were significantly dissimilar to those above and below, featuring putative lithotrophic denitrifying bacteria belonging to the genera Sulfurifustis, Sulfuritalea and Sulfuricella. These lineages were detected in greatest abundance at 19 mbgs while the abundances of putative heterotrophic sulfate-reducing bacteria belonging to the genus Desulfosporosinus were greatest at 20 mbgs. In addition to help distinguish denitrification from mixing-induced changes in groundwater chemistry, the above observed vertical stratification of the microbial key players connects nitrate removal to the locations of the aquifer sampled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Chakraborty
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Martin Suchy
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Casey R J Hubert
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M Cathryn Ryan
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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9
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Zhao B, Li X, Wang Y, Tan X, Qi W, Li H, Wei J, You Y, Shi W, Zhang Q. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction and functional genes in two subtropical rivers, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:68155-68173. [PMID: 34264489 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15197-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes, including denitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), are important pathways of nitrate transformation in the aquatic environments. In this study, we investigated potential rates of denitrification, anammox, and DNRA in the sediments of two subtropical rivers, Jinshui River and Qi River, with different intensities of human activities in their respective catchment, China. Our objectives were to assess the seasonality of dissimilatory nitrate reduction rates, quantify their respective contributions to nitrate reduction, and reveal the relationship between dissimilatory nitrate reduction rates, functional gene abundances, and physicochemicals in the river ecosystems. Our results showed higher rates of denitrification and anammox in the intensively disturbed areas in autumn and spring, and higher potential DNRA in the slightly disturbed areas in summer. Generally, denitrification, anammox, and DNRA were higher in summer, autumn, and spring, respectively. Relative contributions of nitrate reduction from denitrification, anammox, and DNRA were quite different in different seasons. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction rates and gene abundances correlated significantly with water temperature, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), sediment total organic carbon (SOC), NO3-, NH4+, DOC/NO3-, iron ions, and sulfide. Understanding dissimilatory nitrate reduction is essential for restoring nitrate reduction capacity and improving and sustaining ecohealth of the river ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinshuai Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiang Tan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wenhua Qi
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hongran Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Junwei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850000, China
- College of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Yong You
- College of Land and Resources, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Wenjun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Quanfa Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
- Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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10
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Spatial variability of nitrate pollution and its sources in a hilly basin of the Yangtze River based on clustering. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16752. [PMID: 34408222 PMCID: PMC8373962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96248-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3-) pollution is a serious global problem, and the quantitative analysis of its sources contributions is essential for devising effective water-related environmental-protection policies. The Shengjin Lake basin, located in the middle to lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China was selected as the research area in our study. We first grouped 29 surface water samples and 33 groundwater samples using cluster analysis, and then analyzed potential nitrate sources for each dataset of δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3- isotope values by applying a Bayesian isotope-mixing model. Our results show that the nitrogen pollution in the surface-ground water in the study area seriously exceeded to class V of the Environmental Quality Standard of Surface Water of China. The NO3- in surface water from the mid-upper reaches of the drainage basin mainly originates from soil nitrogen (SN) and chemical fertilizer (CF), with contribution rates of 48% and 32%, respectively, and the NO3- in downstream areas mainly originates from CF and manure and sewage (MS), with contribution rates of 48% and 33%, respectively. For the groundwater samples, NO3- mainly originates from MS, CF, and SN in the mid-upper reaches of the drainage basin and the northside of Dadukou near the Yangtze River, with contribution rates of 34%, 31%, and 29%, respectively, whereas NO3- in the lower reaches and the middle part of Dadukou mainly originates from MS, with a contribution rate of 83%. The nitrogen conversion of surface water in lakes and in the mid-upper reaches is mainly affected by water mixing, while the groundwater and surface water in the lower plains are mainly affected by denitrification. The method proposed in this study can expand the ideas for tracking nitrate pollution in areas with complex terrain, and the relevant conclusions can provide a theoretical basis for surface and groundwater pollution control in the hilly basin of Yangtze River.
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11
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Petelet-Giraud E, Baran N, Vergnaud-Ayraud V, Portal A, Michel C, Joulian C, Lucassou F. Elucidating heterogeneous nitrate contamination in a small basement aquifer. A multidisciplinary approach: NO 3 isotopes, CFCs-SF6, microbiological activity, geophysics and hydrogeology. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2021; 241:103813. [PMID: 33906024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2021.103813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate contamination of groundwater remains a major concern despite all the measures and efforts undertaken over the last decades to protect water resources. We focused on a small catchment in Brittany (France) facing nitrate pollution with concentrations over the European drinking water standard of 50 mg.L-1. This is a common situation in catchments where - supposedly effective - measures were applied for reducing the transfer of N to groundwater. At the scale of this small (~100 ha) basement aquifer, nitrate concentrations are very heterogeneous in the groundwater, sampled up to 15-20 m below the soil surface in several observation wells (hereafter referred as piezometers) and up to 110 m deep in a borehole drilled through a faulted area near the Spring (outlet of the catchment). We used complementary and robust approaches for exploring and constraining the driving parameters of nitrate transfer and distribution in groundwater. Detailed geological work and a geophysical electrical resistivity tomography survey identified the lithologies, tectonic structures and weathering layers. This highlighted a complex geological structure with several compartments delimited by faults, as well as the highly variable thickness of the weathered layer. It also illustrated the heterogeneity of the hydrosystem, some compartments appearing to be disconnected from the general groundwater flow. This was confirmed by geochemical analyses and by the mean apparent groundwater residence time based on CFCs-SF6 and noble-gas analyses, locally revealing old and nitrate-free groundwater, and very old water with a recharge temperature below than the current average temperature in the area, reflecting water dating back to the last period of glaciation (-19 to -17 ky). Nitrate isotopes clearly showed denitrification processes in a few piezometers, which was generally supported by microbiology and molecular biology results. This highlighted the presence of functional genes involved in denitrification as well as a capacity of the groundwater microbial community to denitrify when in situ conditions are favourable. This type of combined approach - covering chemistry, isotopic methods, dissolved gases, microbiological activity, geophysics and hydrogeology - appears to be indispensable for implementing the most relevant programme of measures and for accurately assessing their effectiveness, notably by considering the timeframe between implementation of the measures and their impact on groundwater quality.
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12
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Michel C, Baran N, André L, Charron M, Joulian C. Side Effects of Pesticides and Metabolites in Groundwater: Impact on Denitrification. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:662727. [PMID: 34054765 PMCID: PMC8155494 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.662727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of two pesticides (S-metolachlor and propiconazole) and their respective main metabolites (ESA-metolachlor and 1,2,4-triazole) on bacterial denitrification in groundwater was studied. For this, the denitrification activity and the bacterial diversity of a microbial community sampled from a nitrate-contaminated groundwater were monitored during 20 days in lab experiments in the presence or absence of pesticides or metabolites at 2 or 10 μg/L. The kinetics of nitrate reduction along with nitrite and N2O production all suggested that S-metolachlor had no or only little impact, whereas its metabolite ESA-metolachlor inhibited denitrification by 65% at 10 μg/L. Propiconazole and 1,2,4-triazole also inhibited denitrification at both concentrations, but to a lesser extent (29–38%) than ESA-metolachlor. When inhibition occurred, pesticides affected the reduction of nitrate into nitrite step. However, no significant differences were detected on the abundance of nitrate reductase narG and napA genes, suggesting an impact of pesticides/metabolites at the protein level rather than on denitrifying bacteria abundance. 16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing indicated no major modification of bacterial diversity in the presence or absence of pesticides/metabolites, except for ESA-metolachlor and propiconazole at 10 μg/L that tended to increase or decrease Shannon and InvSimpson indices, respectively. General growth parameters suggested no impact of pesticides, except for propiconazole at 10 μg/L that partially inhibited acetate uptake and induced a decrease in microbial biomass. In conclusion, pesticides and metabolites can have side effects at environmental concentrations on microbial denitrification in groundwater and may thus affect ecosystem services based on microbial activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Michel
- BRGM, DEPA (Direction de l'Eau, de l'Environnement, des Procédés et Analyses), Orléans, France
| | - Nicole Baran
- BRGM, DEPA (Direction de l'Eau, de l'Environnement, des Procédés et Analyses), Orléans, France
| | - Laurent André
- BRGM, DEPA (Direction de l'Eau, de l'Environnement, des Procédés et Analyses), Orléans, France.,Université d'Orléans, CNRS, BRGM, UMR 7327 Institut des Sciences de la Terre d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Mickael Charron
- BRGM, DEPA (Direction de l'Eau, de l'Environnement, des Procédés et Analyses), Orléans, France
| | - Catherine Joulian
- BRGM, DEPA (Direction de l'Eau, de l'Environnement, des Procédés et Analyses), Orléans, France
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13
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Duffner C, Wunderlich A, Schloter M, Schulz S, Einsiedl F. Strategies to Overcome Intermediate Accumulation During in situ Nitrate Remediation in Groundwater by Hydrogenotrophic Denitrification. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:610437. [PMID: 33763037 PMCID: PMC7982820 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.610437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioremediation of polluted groundwater is one of the most difficult actions in environmental science. Nonetheless, the clean-up of nitrate polluted groundwater may become increasingly important as nitrate concentrations frequently exceed the EU drinking water limit of 50 mg L-1, largely due to intensification of agriculture and food production. Denitrifiers are natural catalysts that can reduce increasing nitrogen loading of aquatic ecosystems. Porous aquifers with high nitrate loading are largely electron donor limited and additionally, high dissolved oxygen concentrations are known to reduce the efficiency of denitrification. Therefore, denitrification lag times (time prior to commencement of microbial nitrate reduction) up to decades were determined for such groundwater systems. The stimulation of autotrophic denitrifiers by the injection of hydrogen into nitrate polluted regional groundwater systems may represent a promising remediation strategy for such environments. However, besides high costs other drawbacks, such as the transient or lasting accumulation of the cytotoxic intermediate nitrite or the formation of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide, have been described. In this article, we detect causes of incomplete denitrification, which include environmental factors and physiological characteristics of the underlying bacteria and provide possible mitigation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Duffner
- Chair of Soil Science, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Research Unit Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anja Wunderlich
- Chair of Hydrogeology, TUM Department of Civil, Geo and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Schloter
- Chair of Soil Science, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Research Unit Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schulz
- Research Unit Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Florian Einsiedl
- Chair of Hydrogeology, TUM Department of Civil, Geo and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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14
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Aguilar-Rangel EJ, Prado BL, Vásquez-Murrieta MS, Los Santos PED, Siebe C, Falcón LI, Santillán J, Alcántara-Hernández RJ. Temporal analysis of the microbial communities in a nitrate-contaminated aquifer and the co-occurrence of anammox, n-damo and nitrous-oxide reducing bacteria. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2020; 234:103657. [PMID: 32777591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2020.103657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater-N pollution derives from agricultural and urban activities, and compromises water quality in shallow aquifers, putting human and environmental health at risk. Nonetheless, subsurface microbiota can transform dissolved inorganic nitrogen into N2. In this study, we surveyed the microbial community of a shallow aquifer by sampling one well, one piezometer and a spring within an agricultural area that receives N-inputs of more than 700 kg/ha per year through irrigation with wastewater. The survey was conducted during a year with a 16S rRNA next-gen approach. In parallel, we quantified the number of gene copies and transcripts related to anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox, hzo), nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-damo, nod and pmoA) and nitrous oxide reduction (last step of denitrification, nosZ), during the dry and rainy seasons. Our results showed that the groundwater samples had 17.7 to 22.5 mg/L of NO3--N. The bacterial and archaeal community structure was distinctive at each site, and it remained relatively stable over time. We verified the co-occurrence of N-transforming bacteria, which was correlated with the concentration of NO2-/NO3- and ORP/DO values (DO: ~3.0 mg/L). Our analyses suggest that these conditions may allow the presence of nitrifying microorganisms which can couple with anammox, n-damo and denitrifying bacteria in interrelated biogeochemical pathways. Gene density (as the number of gene copies per litre) was lower in the rainy season than in the dry season, possibly due to dilution by rainwater infiltration. Yet, the numbers of hzo gene copies here found were similar to those reported in oceanic oxygen minimum zones and in a carbonate-rock aquifer. The transcript sequences showed that Candidatus Brocadia spp. (anammox), Candidatus Methylomirabilis spp. (n-damo) and autotrophic denitrifying Betaproteobacteria coexist in the groundwater environment, with the potential to attenuate the concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen by reducing it to N2 rather than N2O; delivering thus, an important ecosystem service to remove contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo J Aguilar-Rangel
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Del. Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Blanca L Prado
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Del. Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - María Soledad Vásquez-Murrieta
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Del. Miguel Hidalgo, 11340 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Paulina Estrada-de Los Santos
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Del. Miguel Hidalgo, 11340 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Christina Siebe
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Del. Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luisa I Falcón
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Yucatán, 97302, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Jazmín Santillán
- Posgrado en Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Del. Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rocío J Alcántara-Hernández
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Del. Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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15
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Hernández-Del Amo E, Ramió-Pujol S, Gich F, Trias R, Bañeras L. Changes in the Potential Activity of Nitrite Reducers and the Microbial Community Structure After Sediment Dredging and Plant Removal in the Empuriabrava FWS-CW. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2020; 79:588-603. [PMID: 31486865 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01425-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In constructed wetlands (CW), denitrification usually accounts for > 60% of nitrogen removal and is supposedly affected by wetland management practices, such as dredging (and plant removal). These practices cause an impact in sediment properties and microbial communities living therein. We have quantified the effects of a sediment dredging event on dissimilatory nitrite reduction by analysing the structure and activities of the microbial community before and after the event. Potential rates for nitrate reduction to ammonia and denitrification were in accordance with changes in the physicochemical conditions. Denitrification was the predominant pathway for nitrite removal (> 60%) and eventually led to the complete removal of nitrate. On the contrary, dissimilatory nitrite reduction to ammonia (DNRA) increased from 5 to 18% after the dredging event. Both actual activities and abundances of 16S rRNA, nirK and nirS significantly decreased after sediment dredging. However, genetic potential for denitrification (qnirS + qnirK/q16S rRNA) remained unchanged. Analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed the importance of vegetation in shaping microbial community structures, selecting specific phylotypes potentially contributing to the nitrogen cycle. Overall, we confirmed that sediment dredging and vegetation removal exerted a measurable effect on the microbial community, but not on potential nitrite + nitrate removal rates. According to redundancy analysis, nitrate concentration and pH were the main variables affecting sediment microbial communities in the Empuriabrava CWs. Our results highlight a high recovery of the functionality of an ecosystem service after a severe intervention and point to metabolic redundancy of denitrifiers. We are confident these results will be taken into account in future management strategies in CWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Hernández-Del Amo
- Group of Molecular Microbial Ecology, Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Edifici Aulari Comú -LEAR, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 40, 17003, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sara Ramió-Pujol
- Group of Molecular Microbial Ecology, Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Edifici Aulari Comú -LEAR, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 40, 17003, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
- GoodGut, Centre d'Empreses Giroemprèn, Parc Científic i Tecnològic UdG, Carrer Pic de Peguera, 11, 17003, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Frederic Gich
- Group of Molecular Microbial Ecology, Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Edifici Aulari Comú -LEAR, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 40, 17003, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Rosalia Trias
- Group of Molecular Microbial Ecology, Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Edifici Aulari Comú -LEAR, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 40, 17003, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lluís Bañeras
- Group of Molecular Microbial Ecology, Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Edifici Aulari Comú -LEAR, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany, 40, 17003, Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
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16
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Avşar C, Aras ES. Quantification of denitrifier genes population size and its relationship with environmental factors. Arch Microbiol 2020; 202:1181-1192. [PMID: 32076734 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-020-01826-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to use real-time PCR for culture-independent quantification of the copy numbers of 16S rRNA and denitrification functional genes, and also the relationships between gene copy numbers and soil physicochemical properties. In this study, qPCR analysis of the soil samples showed 16S rRNA, nirS, nirK, nosZI and nosZII average densities of 3.0 × 108, 2.25 × 107, 2.9 × 105, 4.0 × 106 and 1.75 × 107 copies per gram of dry soil, respectively. In addition, the abundances of (nirS + nirK), nosZI and nosZII relative to 16S rRNA genes were 1.4-34.1%, 0.06-3.95% and 1.3-39%, respectively, confirming the low proportion of denitrifiers to total bacteria in soil. This showed that the non-denitrifying nosZII-type bacteria may contribute significantly to N2O consumption in the soil. Furthermore, the shifts in abundance and diversity of the total bacteria and denitrification functional gene copy numbers correlated significantly with the various soil factors. It is the first study in Turkey about the population size of denitrification functional genes in different soil samples. It also aims to draw attention to nitrous oxide-associated global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cumhur Avşar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Sinop University, Sinop, Turkey.
| | - E Sümer Aras
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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17
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Clagnan E, Thornton SF, Rolfe SA, Wells NS, Knoeller K, Murphy J, Tuohy P, Daly K, Healy MG, Ezzati G, von Chamier J, Fenton O. An integrated assessment of nitrogen source, transformation and fate within an intensive dairy system to inform management change. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219479. [PMID: 31335897 PMCID: PMC6650055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
From an environmental perspective optimised dairy systems, which follow current regulations, still have low nitrogen (N) use efficiency, high N surplus (kg N ha-1) and enable ad-hoc delivery of direct and indirect reactive N losses to water and the atmosphere. The objective of the present study was to divide an intensive dairy farm into N attenuation capacity areas based on this ad-hoc delivery. Historical and current spatial and temporal multi-level datasets (stable isotope and dissolved gas) were combined and interpreted. Results showed that the farm had four distinct attenuation areas: high N attenuation: characterised by ammonium-N (NH4+-N) below 0.23 mg NH4+-N l-1 and nitrate (NO3--N) below 5.65 mg NO3--N l-1 in surface, drainage and groundwater, located on imperfectly to moderately-well drained soils with high denitrification potential and low nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions (av. 0.0032 mg N2O-N l-1); moderate N attenuation: characterised by low NO3--N concentration in drainage water but high N2O production (0.0317 mg N2O-N l-1) and denitrification potential lower than group 1 (av. δ15N-NO3-: 16.4‰, av. δ18O-NO3-: 9.2‰), on well to moderately drained soils; low N attenuation-area 1: characterised by high NO3--N (av. 6.90 mg NO3--N l-1) in drainage water from well to moderately-well drained soils, with low denitrification potential (av. δ15N-NO3-: 9.5‰, av. δ18O-NO3-: 5.9‰) and high N2O emissions (0.0319 mg N2O l-1); and low N attenuation-area 2: characterised by high NH4+-N (av. 3.93 mg NH4+-N l-1 and high N2O emissions (av. 0.0521 mg N2O l-1) from well to imperfectly drained soil. N loads on site should be moved away from low attenuation areas and emissions to air and water should be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Clagnan
- Environmental Research Centre, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Free University of Bolzano, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Steven F. Thornton
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A. Rolfe
- Department of Animal and Plant Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi S. Wells
- Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia
- Department of Catchment Hydrology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kay Knoeller
- Department of Catchment Hydrology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - John Murphy
- Environmental Research Centre, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland
| | - Patrick Tuohy
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Karen Daly
- Environmental Research Centre, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland
| | - Mark G. Healy
- Civil Engineering, National University of Ireland, Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Golnaz Ezzati
- Environmental Research Centre, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland
| | - Julia von Chamier
- Department of Catchment Hydrology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Owen Fenton
- Environmental Research Centre, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland
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18
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Kim H, Kaown D, Mayer B, Lee JY, Lee KK. Combining pyrosequencing and isotopic approaches to assess denitrification in a hyporheic zone. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 631-632:755-764. [PMID: 29544179 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hyporheic zones are considered hot spots for numerically vast and phylogenetically diverse microbial communities. However, biogeochemical effects of hyporheic zones have rarely been investigated in detail because of the difficulty in accurately measuring denitrification in these zones. To date, little is known about the hydroecology of hyporheic zones. The effect of changes in hydraulic conditions on the community variations of indigenous microorganisms and water quality was examined based on the depth of the hyporheic zone. In particular, we report on the use of the pyrosequencing technique to elucidate denitrifying bacteria (DNB) community profiles combined with the stable isotope composition of nitrate and hydrological patterns in the hyporheic zones to reveal whether denitrification occurs. δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 values of nitrate were analyzed to evaluate the transformation processes of nitrate in upwelling and downwelling areas and mixed zones. The isotope values indicated different origins of water in upwelling and downwelling zones and that denitrification occurred predominantly in the upwelling areas. Analyses of microbial communities in the hyporheic zone showed that the new genera, species, and isotope data were associated with the hydrological uniqueness of the hyporheic zones. The 16S rRNA sequences were determined and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the DNB communities distributed and gathered the genus Comamonas denitrificans within the mixing patterns of the hyporheic zones and that the relative scarcity of these microbes in these zones was caused by the lack of appropriate substrates. The delineation of the surface water-groundwater mixing zone was quantitatively determined by systematically combining the hydrological and heat transfer analyses and by comparing denitrifying bacteria communities and N isotope data. This study showed that pyrosequencing and isotopic approaches are useful for evaluating the transformation processes of nitrate at the upwelling and downwelling points of a hyporheic zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejung Kim
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Dugin Kaown
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bernhard Mayer
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary T2N 1N4, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Kun Lee
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Nikolenko O, Jurado A, Borges AV, Knӧller K, Brouyѐre S. Isotopic composition of nitrogen species in groundwater under agricultural areas: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 621:1415-1432. [PMID: 29074237 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This work reviews applications of stable isotope analysis to the studies of transport and transformation of N species in groundwater under agricultural areas. It summarizes evidence regarding factors affecting the isotopic composition of NO3-, NH4+ and N2O in subsurface, and discusses the use of 11B, 18O, 13C, 34S, 87Sr/86Sr isotopes to support the analysis of δ15N values. The isotopic composition of NO3-, NH4+ and N2O varies depending on their sources and dynamics of N cycle processes. The reported δ15N-NO3- values for sources of NO3- are: soil organic N - +3‰-+8‰, mineral fertilizers - -8‰-+7‰; manure/household waste - +5‰ to +35‰. For NH4+ sources, the isotopic signature ranges are: organic matter - +2.4-+4.1‰, rainwater - -13.4-+2.3‰, mineral fertilizers - -7.4-+5.1‰, household waste - +5-+9‰; animal manure - +8-+11‰. For N2O, isotopic composition depends on isotopic signatures of substrate pools and reaction rates. δ15N values of NO3- are influenced by fractionation effects occurring during denitrification (ɛ=5-40‰), nitrification (ɛ=5-35‰) and DNRA (ɛ not reported). The isotopic signature of NH4+ is also affected by nitrification and DNRA as well as mineralization (ɛ=1‰), sorption (ɛ=1-8‰), anammox (ɛ=4.3-7.4‰) and volatilization (ɛ=25‰). As for the N2O, production of N2O leads to its depletion in 15N, whereas consumption - to enrichment in 15N. The magnitude of fractionation effects occurring during the considered processes depends on temperature, pH, DO, C/NO3- ratio, size of the substrate pool, availability of electron donors, water content in subsoil, residence time, land use, hydrogeology. While previous studies have accumulated rich data on isotopic composition of NO3- in groundwater, evidence remains scarce in the cases of NH4+ and N2O. Further research is required to consider variability of δ15N-NH4+ and δ15N-N2O in groundwater across agricultural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olha Nikolenko
- University of Liѐge, ArGEnCo, Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Aquapôle, -B52/3 Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liѐge, Belgium.
| | - Anna Jurado
- University of Liѐge, ArGEnCo, Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Aquapôle, -B52/3 Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liѐge, Belgium
| | | | - Kay Knӧller
- Department of Catchment Hydrology, UFZ Helmholtz - Centre for Environmental Research, Germany
| | - Serge Brouyѐre
- University of Liѐge, ArGEnCo, Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Aquapôle, -B52/3 Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liѐge, Belgium
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Water Recycling via Aquifers for Sustainable Urban Water Quality Management: Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities. WATER 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/w10040457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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