Application of the multi-isotope approach to tackle nitrate pollution in water resources

Abstract

Nitrate pollution represents a major concern in many world aqueous resources. When multiple potential nitrate sources exist, their identification and estimation of their contribution are essential to implement effective, source-oriented remediation measures. Isotope data represent a powerful tool, complementary to existing monitoring data, enabling to achieve these objectives. The potential offered by the use of this technique when tackling the environmental management of nitrate contamination is demonstrated via a number of case studies conducted in Europe and Africa, where isotope data lead to a better understanding of nitrate origin, degree of natural attenuation or transport processes in groundwater