Nitrate in groundwater: an isotopic multi-tracer approach

In spite of increasing efforts to reduce nitrogen inputs into groundwater from intensive agriculture, nitrate (NO3) remains one of the major pollutants of drinking-water resources worldwide. Determining the source(s) of NO3 contamination in groundwater is an important first step for improving groundwater quality by emission control, and it is with this aim that we investigated the viability of an isotopic multi-tracer approach (delta15N, delta11B, 87Sr/86Sr), in addition to conventional hydrogeologic analysis, in two small catchments of the Arguenon watershed (Brittany, France). The main anthropogenic sources (fertilizer, sewage effluent, and hog, cattle and poultry manure) were first characterized by their specific B, N and Sr isotope signatures, and compared to those observed in the ground- and surface waters. Chemical and isotopic evidence shows that both denitrification and mixing within the watershed have the effect of buffering NO3 contamination in the groundwater. Coupled delta11B, delta15N and 87Sr/86Sr results indicate that a large part of the NO3 contamination in the Arguenon watershed originates from the spreading of animal manure, with hog manure being a major contributor. Point sources, such as sewage effluents, contribute to the NO3 budget of the two watersheds.     

Phytotoxicity and groundwater impacts of leaching from thermal treatment residues in roadways

The use of coal fly ash (CFA), municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash (MSWIBA) and flue gas desulfurization residue (FGDR) in road construction has become very common owing to its economical advantages. However, these residues may contain toxic constituents that pose an environmental risk if they leach out and flow through the soil, surface water and groundwater. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the ecotoxicity and groundwater impact of these residues before decisions can be made regarding their utilization for road construction. In this study, the physico-chemical characteristics, leaching and phytotoxicity of these residues were investigated. Specifically, multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the contributions of the leaching constituents of the CFA, MSWIBA and FGDR leachates to the germination index of wheat seeds. B, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe and Pb were found to be more toxic to the wheat seeds than the other heavy metals. Furthermore, the leached concentrations of the constituents from the CFA, MSWIBA and FGDR were below the regulatory threshold limits of the Chinese identification standard for hazardous wastes. Analyses conducted using a numerical groundwater model (WiscLEACH) indicated that the predicted field concentrations of metals from the CFA, MSWIBA and FGDR increased with time up to about 30 years at the point of compliance, then decreased with time and distance. Overall, this study demonstrated that the risks resulting from MSWIBA, CFA and FGDR leaching could be assessed before its utilization for road construction, providing crucial information for the adoption of these alternative materials.     

Groundwater conditions under a reconstructed prairie chronosequence

Chronosequences are useful to evaluate long-term changes in ecosystem services but assessing groundwater quality changes using this approach has rarely been done. In this study, groundwater level and quality comparisons were made in a watershed-scale reconstructed prairie chronosequence that extended back in time approximately 13 years at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (NSNWR) near Prairie City, Iowa. Our objectives were to determine whether groundwater conditions varied significantly across the chronosequence and quantify the rate of nitrate concentration reduction when row crop fields are replaced by prairie. We installed 19 groundwater wells at upland locations selected to provide similar soil type, landscape position and slope. Water samples were collected on five occasions in 2006 and 2007 and analyzed for field parameters, anions and NO₃-N, NH₄-N and PO₄-P. Significant groundwater changes were primarily associated with groundwater levels, and groundwater nitrate and chloride concentrations. The groundwater was deeper under the older prairie plantings but fluctuated similarly among all well sites. Groundwater nitrate and chloride concentrations decreased 0.58 and 0.52 mg/l per year over the 13-year chronosequence, respectively. Results are seen to provide some guidance to land managers regarding possible nitrate concentration reductions achievable from converting cropland to perennial land cover in similar geomorphic settings.     

我国地下水环境管理现状及管理制度构建研究

在目前进行我国《水污染防治法》的修法工作中,发现地下水的相关责任由国务院多个部门负责,系统性差,协调难度大,存在工作性质与管理责任脱节的现象。因此,文章在总结梳理国内法律法规和相关管理规定及理清各部门管理责任的基础上,针对我国地下水的实际情况,提出完善我国地下水管理制度及建议。     

国内外地下水环境监测工作研究进展

由于自然条件和经济社会发展条件的不同,使得不同国家和地区的地下水监测工作差别很大。文章在系统整理总结美国、欧盟、台湾等主要国家和地区地下水监测工作有关的论文、规章等成果基础上,对地下水监测工作研究现状进行了概述,结合我国地下水监测工作开展的实际情况,进行对比和分析;提出了目前我国在地下水监测工作中存在的不足,并对如何提高和促进我国地下水监测工作提出了对策建议。     

环境地球物理方法在地下水污染监测中的应用

环境地球物理方法是近年来用于环境科学的新方法。文中介绍了环境地球物理方法的基本原理,重点讨论了环境地球物理方法在地下水污染监测中的应用、效果及前景。      

A new concept: the use of neutrally-buoyant microemulsions for DNAPL remediation

Even in the absence of mobilization of dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL), the microemulsion that forms when the surfactant solubilizes a dense contaminant such as trichloroethylene will be more dense than water and tends to migrate downward. This paper addresses the issue of migration with a new concept: surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation at neutral buoyancy. Laboratory results of surfactant remediation in two-dimensional model aquifers show that downward migration of microemulsion containing solubilized dense contaminants can be reduced to an acceptable level, even in the absence of capillary barriers in the aquifer. One model experiment was designed to exhibit a small degree of vertical migration and full capture of the microemulsion at the extraction well. The second experiment was designed to demonstrate the effect of large buoyancy forces that lead to excessive downward migration of the microemulsion. Density measurements of aqueous solutions containing sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate surfactant, isopropanol, trichloroethylene, and sodium chloride are presented. A companion paper presents the results of the flow and transport calculations needed for this approach to surfactant flooding.     

石墨炉原子吸收光谱法测定地面水中铝

用石墨炉原子吸收分光光度法,采用加入基体改进剂技术,建立了测定铝的原子吸收光谱分析的新方法。该方法的线性范围为0～20μg／L,检出限为0．042μg／L,相对标准偏差为1．51％,回收率为962％～101．6％．用于监测地面水中铝,获得满意结果。     

关于积极推进生态城市建设的对策建议

介绍了沈阳市在生态城市建设中的成绩 ,提出积极推进生态城市建设中要切实注重的几个问题———进一步完善森林城市生态规划 ,提高水资源利用率 ,建设节水型社会 ,保护地下水 ,使人民群众喝上安全合格的水 ,提出对策建议。