Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1007/s11356-024-33403-w
Document Shareable Link
Title (Primary) The comprehensive evaluation of nitrate origin and transformation pathways in the oxic alluvial aquifer in Serbia
Author Perović, M.; Obradović, V.; Zuber-Radenković, V.; Knoeller, K.; Mitrinović, D.; Čepić, Z.
Source Titel Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year 2024
Department CATHYD
Volume 31
Issue 22
Page From 33030
Page To 33046
Language englisch
Topic T4 Coastal System
T5 Future Landscapes
Keywords BART tests; Groundwater; Isotopes; Nitrate; PCA
Abstract Accurate pollution source identification is essential for establishing adequate water management strategies, particularly in groundwater with slow flow and prolonged recharge process allowing long-term pollution retention. An integrated study based on hydrogeochemical, dual isotopic (δ15NNO3 and δ18ONO3), and microbiological approaches (DN, IRB, and SRB BART tests) along with the statistical data processing was conducted to determine nitrate origin and fate in oxic alluvial groundwater source Ključ in Serbia. The findings from a comprehensive investigation, encompassing 20 groundwater sampling locations during the period 2010–2019, delineated three distinct zones — the hinterland (anthropogenic impact area-untreated sewage inflow), the middle zone (area of mixed influence from fertilizer application, accompanied by a mitigated anthropogenic impact), and the zone of riparian denitrification. Significant linear relationship between anthropogenic impact parameters (Na, Cl, B, NO3, NH4+, and electrical conductivity) along with the isotopic signatures (δ15N-NO3 ranking from + 10.01 to + 11.18‰ and δ18O-NO3 ranking from + 1.15 to + 6.24‰) and grouped sampling objects by cluster analysis indicated that hinterland is burdened by the nitrates originating from anthropogenic impact. The cross-section of groundwater flow data, concurrent increase of NH4+, and pH levels, along with the highest values of δ15N-NO3 (+ 12.90‰) and δ18O-NO3 (+ 9.70‰), indicated area of fertilizers (urea) impact. BART test results, pH increase, and low oxygen concentration, along with the groundwater flow data in riparian zone, indicated the unfolding of denitrification process. Presented research emphasizes the importance, necessities, and advantages of simultaneous and complementary use of hydrogeochemical, microbiological, and isotopic data.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=30298
Perović, M., Obradović, V., Zuber-Radenković, V., Knoeller, K., Mitrinović, D., Čepić, Z. (2024):
The comprehensive evaluation of nitrate origin and transformation pathways in the oxic alluvial aquifer in Serbia
Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 31 (22), 33030 - 33046 10.1007/s11356-024-33403-w