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Plant Processes
Plant uptake into aboveground biomass could provide a method to
remove NO3- from the system
The potential for agricultural activities to produce non-point source pollution has been recognized for decades. The addition
of organic and chemical fertilizers has the potential to produce excess levels of several compounds harmful to human and
environmental health. Weld County, Colorado groundwater has shown elevated levels of nitrate (NO 3-) for several decades.
The nitrate ion is highly soluble and moves quickly through surface and groundwater systems. Irrigated cropland and
animal production facilities are likely nitrate sources and thus are prime locations for mitigation. Reducing nitrate levels in
shallow (0-2m) groundwater could reduce additional loading to the regional aquifer and protect surface water quality.
T. angustifolia
Site
(g/100cm2)
EPA drinking
water
Soil Processes
Selected Results
B1 & B2
Research Approach
Depth
(cm)
0 - 20
20 - 55
55+
0.414
0.035
0.0036
10.02
7.29
3.94
B1
B2
S1
S2
F
E
126.4
68.8
66.3
--64.7
---
S. pungens
(g/100cm2)
Biomass
(g/100cm2)
Litter
(g/100cm2)
Juncus
32.9
4.9
Phalaris
12.7
7.9
Typha
82.9
11.4
Scheonoplectus
23.1
5.4
Community
Total
(g/100cm2)
----32.6
39.3
--14.0
126.4
42.3
44.5
39.1
42.1
15.2
Taxa
1m
Phalaris arundinacea
Typha angustifolia
Scheonoplectus pungens
11m
21m
14.2 11.2
150.9 73.1
26.4
9
31m
68.7
7.1
87.8
Groundwater Hydrology
Groundwater flow transports nitrate, influences water table & anaerobic conditions in the denitrification zone.
Seasonal water table dynamics influence vegetation communities.
Research Approach
Selected Results
Research Approach
Questions
Denitrifying microbes (e.g. Thiobacillus denitrificans) use NO3- in a respiratory process producing
N2 gas. Physical characteristics of soil control the timing & magnitude of this reaction.
10.43
7.32
3.95
%
%
%
Sand Silt Clay
55.0 13.6 31.4
46.8 13.7 39.4
61.9 13.8 24.3
Ground level
Depth
(cm)
0+ 4
4 20
Conclusions
Not surprisingly , the nitrate loading, uptake and transformation in wetlands is complex and site specific but some general trends are highlighted with the current research.
1. Less organic matter is available for microbes at lower horizons. Organic matter and labile carbon sources can be highly localized which can dramatically affect denitrification potential.
2. Nitrate loading varied considerably even when crop, soil and irrigation type were controlled. Levels exceeded the EPA drinking water standard (10ppm) most often in July.
3. Microbial activity was highly variable between similar sites. Some sites showed consistent values, others showed dramatic changes with increasing distance from the field.
4. Biomass varies widely by species with Typha having nearly 8x the biomass of Phalaris. If future analysis of C & N levels show differences, certain species could be identified as more effective for N uptake.
5. As the finally analyses are conducted a physical & biological profile for effective nitrate mitigating wetlands adjacent to irrigated crops will be created.
20 40
% of
DeN
zone
At least
95
At least
75
At least
50
B1 1
meter
B1 11
meters
B2 1
meter
B2 11
B2 21
B2 31
meters meters meters
0.4%
45.0%
8.8%
11.8%
36.4%
69.9%
71.9%
55.0%
46.9%
15.5%
30.6%
14.9%
27.7%
100.0%
44.0%
35.9%
25.9%
15.2%