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Global Monitoring of Nitrogen Isotopes in Atmospheric Waters
Closed for proposals
Project Type
Project Code
F32008CRP
2209Approved Date
Status
Start Date
Expected End Date
Completed Date
7 March 2023Participating Countries
Description
The increasing production of food and energy worldwide has multiplied today's anthropogenic emissions of nitrogen compounds in the atmosphere, which are transported and deposited through precipitation on the terrestrial and aquatic systems. Disruption of N-balance, eutrophication in rivers and lakes, and stream acidification are a few of the negative consequences, when N-deposition exceeds the remediation capacity or critical load of the aquatic system. Environmental isotopes have been widely used not only to assess hydrological processes, but also to address water quality issues, such as nitrogen pollution. This CRP aims to determine the spatio-temporal distribution of nitrogen isotopes in precipitation as a potential source of nitrogen pollution of water resources, especially of aquatic systems sensitive to eutrophication stressors. This CRP aims to combine N-isotopes with atmospheric chemistry and hydrometeorological techniques to better understand wet deposition processes and to characterize the origin of inorganic nitrogen loadings. Overall, the CRP will aim at improving the capability and expertise among participating Member States in the use of environmental isotopes to assess impacts of nitrogen wet deposition on water quality and ecosystems.
Objectives
To improve capability and expertise among Member States in the use of environmental isotopes to better assess impacts of nitrogen wet deposition on water quality.
Specific objectives
Explore the use of N-isotopes in precipitation networks in order to determine spatial patterns of N-isotope values that can be used to determine the relative contribution of nitrogen wet deposition in the degradation of water systems.
Improve the application of N-isotopes combined with other isotope and chemistry substances to better define the origin of nitrogen in precipitation and evaluate the impact of nitrogen wet deposition on water resources and ecosystems.
Assess and improve the understanding and interpretation of nitrogen transformations related to wet deposition.
Explore the use of N-isotopes in precipitation networks in order to determine spatial patterns of N-isotope values that can be used to determine the relative contribution of nitrogen wet deposition in the degradation of water systems.
Improve the application of N-isotopes combined with other isotope and chemistry substances to better define the origin of nitrogen in precipitation and evaluate the impact of nitrogen wet deposition on water resources and ecosystems.
Assess and improve the understanding and interpretation of nitrogen transformations related to wet deposition.
Impact
CRP has a significant positive impact on the development of the nuclear application to support water quality studies. Particularly, Member States tested and applied routine use of environmental isotopes for the assessment of nitrogen wet deposition that can impact surface water and pose an eutrophication. TECDOC will provide a continuous guidance on the sampling, analysis and data interpretation and ensure the CRP outputs sustainability. Tested method was discussed and implemented in the TC projects in Latin America (Costa Rica) and Africa (Mauritius). Additionally, method, approach and data derived from the CRP were used in the Master and PhD studies in developing countries.
Relevance
CRP advanced understanding of possible environmental and anthropogenic impacts of nitrogen deposition on water resources for optimal water resources management and remediation strategies.