In:
Environmental Earth Sciences, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 80, No. 18 ( 2021-09)
Abstract:
Groundwater pollution by agrochemicals such as nitrogen fertilizers can cause complex biogeochemical transformations to take place in groundwater-dependent ecosystems. To explore the interaction between nitrogen load and groundwater-dependent, spring-fed ecosystems, a study was conducted in Latvia in an area of suspected high nitrate (NO 3 − ) vulnerability due to its geological settings. A map of NO 3 − vulnerability along the margins of the carbonate aquifer in Latvia is presented. The map is based on a conceptual model that was developed during an extensive case study involving hydrological, hydrochemical, and habitat investigation of springs discharging from a karst aquifer and spring-fed ecosystems. Areas that should be prime targets for restricting fertilizer application are highlighted on the map. Although the case study revealed increased nitrogen pollution (up to 51 mg L −1 , standard deviation of 9 mg L −1 , in the springs discharging from the karst aquifer), no clear evidence of adverse effects due to NO 3 − pollution on the groundwater-dependent ecosystems using biotic indicators was found, highlighting the resilience of spring-fed ecosystems against high nitrogen inputs. In the case study, downstream groundwater-dependent ecosystems retained 70% of the reactive nitrogen during the vegetation season, but only a small proportion during the cold season. Thus, NO 3 − pollution can be partly mitigated by restoring wetlands along valley slopes where natural groundwater discharge takes place. The conceptual model developed for groundwater NO 3 − vulnerability is applicable to other areas in the Baltic region and other places with similar climatic and geological conditions.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1866-6280
,
1866-6299
DOI:
10.1007/s12665-021-09918-7
Language:
English
Publisher:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2493699-6
SSG:
13
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