The use of δ15N and δ18O tracers with an understanding of groundwater flow dynamics for evaluating the origins and attenuation mechanisms of nitrate pollution

During early 2000, a new analytical procedure for nitrate isotopic measurement, termed the “denitrifier method”, was established. With the development of the nitrate isotope tracer method, much research has been reported detailing sources of groundwater nitrate and denitrification mechanisms. However, a shortcoming of these tracer studies has been indicated owing to some overlapping of isotope compositions among different source materials and denitrification trends. In order to reduce these uncertainties, we examined nitrate isotope ratios within a frame of “regional groundwater flow dynamics” to eliminate unnecessary uncertainties in elucidating nitrate sources and behaviors. A total of 361 samples were collected from the Kumamoto area: the circulated groundwater system with a scale of 103 km2 in southern Japan. Subsequently, the nitrate pollution was examined within the above-mentioned framework. As a result, a reasonable identification of the sources and attenuation behaviors (both denitrification and dilution) of groundwater nitrate pollution was obtained over the study area. This study demonstrates that the use of nitrate isotope tracers efficiently improves with a comprehensive understanding of groundwater flow dynamics. The approach emphasized in this study is important and should be applicable in other areas.

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► Importance of improvement for nitrate isotope tracer study was addressed.
► Nitrate isotope traceability improves with a good understanding of groundwater flow.
► An approach emphasized in this study should be applicable in other areas.