scholarly journals Performance of a Woodchip Bioreactor for the Treatment of Nitrate-Laden Agricultural Drainage Water in Northeastern Germany

Environments ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Lennart Gosch ◽  
Haojie Liu ◽  
Bernd Lennartz
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Nutrient Retention ◽  
Tracer Test ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Nutrient Loads ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Inlet System ◽  
Reactive Phosphorus ◽  
Carbon Load ◽  
Northeastern Germany

Reactive barriers, such as denitrifying bioreactors, have been identified as a clean-up option for nutrient-laden agriculture runoff. Here we tested a 20 m long, 3.75 m wide and 2.2 m deep woodchip bioreactor receiving tile drainage water from a 5.2 ha field site, aiming at testing the hydraulic functioning of a dual-inlet system and quantifying its impact on nutrient loads (nitrogen, reactive phosphorus, organic carbon) in a region with a drainage season taking place in the hydrological winter (November to April). The hydraulic conditions in the dual-inlet bioreactor system developed differently than expected; asymmetric flow rates led to long average hydraulic retention times and a highly dispersed residence time distribution, which was revealed by a bromide tracer test. With a nitrate load reduction of 51 to 90% over three drainage seasons, the woodchip bioreactor proved at the same time to be very effective under the winter conditions of northeastern Germany. The bioreactor turned from an orthophosphate source in the first year of operation into an orthophosphate sink in the second and third year, which was not expected because of anoxic conditions (favorable for denitrification) prevailing within the woodchips. Besides an efficient nutrient retention, the woodchip bioreactor contributed to the total organic carbon load of receiving waters, which impairs the overall positive role of bioreactors within intensively agriculturally used landscapes. We consider this promising low-maintenance biotechnology particularly suitable for single drainage pipes with high discharge and high nitrate concentrations.

scholarly journals Impact of Filters to Reduce Phosphorus Losses: Field Observations and Modelling Tests in Tile-Drained Lowland Catchments

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2638
Author(s):  
Andreas Bauwe ◽  
Petra Kahle ◽  
Bernd Lennartz
Keyword(s):  
Scenario Analysis ◽  
Filter Material ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Target Values ◽  
Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus ◽  
Reactive Phosphorus ◽  
Northeastern Germany ◽  
P Removal

In this study, we analyzed Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus (DRP) and Total Phosphorus (TP) concentration dynamics over two years in surface waters of five nested catchments in northeastern Germany. Based on this, we constructed a filter box filled with iron-coated sand for Phosphorus (P) removal at the edge of a tile-drained field. Results of the filter box experiment were used for a model scenario analysis aiming at evaluating the P removal potential at catchment scale. DRP and TP concentrations were generally low but they exceeded occasionally target values. Results of the filter box experiment indicated that 28% of the TP load could be retained but the DRP load reduction was negligible. We assume that DRP could not be reduced due to short residence times and high flow dynamics. Instead, particulate P fractions were probably retained mechanically by the filter material. The scenario analysis revealed that the P removal potential of such filters are highest in areas, in which tile drainage water is the dominant P source. At a larger spatial scale, in which other P (point) sources are likewise important, edge-of-field P filters can only be one part of an integrated catchment strategy involving a variety of measures to reduce P losses.

scholarly journals Uncertainties in dissolved organic carbon load estimation in a small stream

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olaf Büttner ◽  
Jörg Tittel
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Absorption Coefficient ◽  
Dissolved Organic Carbon ◽  
Additional Data ◽  
Sampling Frequency ◽  
Carbon Pools ◽  
Load Estimation ◽  
Small Stream ◽  
High Discharge ◽  
Carbon Load

Abstract Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) transported by rivers represents an important link between carbon pools of terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. However, it is unclear how frequent DOC must be sampled to obtain reasonable load estimates. Here, we used continuous records of the specific UV absorption coefficient (SAC) and discharge from a headwater stream at the Ore Mountains (Germany) to calculate load errors depending on DOC sampling frequency. SAC was used as a proxy for DOC. The results show that the load was underestimated by 13-19% with monthly, 10-13% with bi-weekly and 7-9% with weekly DOC samplings, respectively. We conclude that collecting additional data from high discharge events decrease the error significantly.

Consequences of nutrient load reductions for carbon and alkalinity dynamics within the region of freshwater influence of River Elbe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Paetsch ◽  
Helmuth Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Sulfate Reduction ◽  
Biogeochemical Model ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Nutrient Loads ◽  
Organic Matter Degradation ◽  
Strong Decrease ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
River Elbe

<p>Since the early eighties of the 20<sup>th</sup> century nitrogen and phosphorus loads of the River Elbe, a river entering the North European Shelf at the southeastern coast, have decreased by a factor of about four. This resulted in a reduction of the eutrophication status in the adjacent German Bight and the coastal waters west of Denmark. In addition, benthic carbon and alkalinity pools have changed due to 1- changed carbon loads and, 2- changed decay pathways of benthic organic carbon.</p><p>We investigate the consequences of observed nutrient and organic loads by rivers with a 3D-biogeochemical model including a 3D-early diageneses model within the sediment for the time 1979 - 2014.   </p><p>The results show a strong decrease of benthic carbon rather due to decreasing nutrient loads and subsequent autochthonous biological production than changes in organic loads. The export of inorganic carbon from the sediment is related to the magnitude of benthic organic carbon and cannot explain the strong decrease of the benthic POC pool. During the time until the early nineties aerobic degradation increases, whereas denitrification and sulfate reduction as organic matter degradation pathway decreases.</p><p>Alkalinity production due to benthic organic matter degradation decreases over the first half of the investigated time interval and keeps constant during the second half. Denitrification and sulfate reduction dominate the mechanisms decreasing the alkalinity export. Benthic nitrification consuming alkalinity strongly increases during the first half of the time dampening the decrease of alkalinity export.</p>

scholarly journals The significance of organic carbon and nutrient export from peatland-dominated landscapes subject to disturbance, a stoichiometric perspective

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Waldron ◽  
H. Flowers ◽  
C. Arlaud ◽  
C. Bryant ◽  
S. McFarlane
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soluble Reactive Phosphorus ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Co2 Efflux ◽  
Nutrient Export ◽  
Terrestrial Carbon ◽  
Carbon Export ◽  
Aquatic Respiration ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
Reactive Phosphorus

Abstract. The terrestrial-aquatic interface is a crucial environment in which to consider the fate of exported terrestrial carbon in the aquatic system. Here the fate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) may be controlled by nutrient availability. However, peat-dominated headwater catchments are normally of low nutrient status and thus there is little data on how DOC and nutrient export co-varies. We present nutrient and DOC data for two UK catchments dominated by peat headwaters. One, Whitelee, is undergoing development for Europe's largest windfarm. Glen Dye by comparison is relatively undisturbed. At both sites there are significant linear relationships between DOC and soluble reactive phosphorus and nitrate concentrations in the drainage waters. However, inter-catchment differences exist. Changes in the pattern of nutrient and carbon export at Whitelee reveal that landscape disturbance associated with windfarm development impacts the receiving waters, and that nutrient export does not increase in a stoichiometric manner that will promote increase in microbial biomass but rather supports aquatic respiration. In turn greater CO2 efflux may prevail. Hence disturbance of terrestrial carbon stores may impact the both the aquatic and gaseous carbon cycle. We suggest estimates of aquatic carbon export should inform the decision-making process prior to development in ecosystems and catchments with high terrestrial carbon storage.

scholarly journals Soil organic carbon and nitrogen characteristics in differently used grasslands at sites with drainage and without drainage

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 165-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Dufková ◽  
T. Kvítek ◽  
J. Voldřichová
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Microorganisms ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Fulvic Acids ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Carbon And Nitrogen ◽  
Thermal Combustion

Extensive management (absence of management) of unfertilized permanent grasslands was examined for five years from the aspect of its influence on soil chemical properties of horizon A in a floodplain locality of the Crystalline Complex, in relation to water regime regulation, reclamations and liming. These treatments: without mowing (0), one cut (1) and two cuts (2) per year were used at sites without drainage (WD), with drainage (D) and with drainage water retardation (R). These average values were measured at all sites and for all treatments: content of soil organic carbon C<sub>org</sub> 2.3&ndash;3.4%, combustible substances CS 12&ndash;15%, humic to fulvic acids ratio C<sub>HA</sub>/C<sub>FA</sub> 0.81&ndash;0.94, C/N 8&ndash;9, humification rate 0.6&ndash;0.7, exchange pH 3.9&ndash;5.1. All sites have deteriorated conditions for the activity of soil microorganisms (low pH). Determinations of the contents of organic carbon (C<sub>org</sub> by thermal combustion, water soluble and hot water soluble carbon, C<sub>HA</sub> and C<sub>FA</sub>), CS and total nitrogen indicated decreases as a result of the influence of factors (drainage, liming, mowing) supporting mineralization and the cycle of soil organic matter. Mowing improved humus quality

scholarly journals The impact of agricultural management practices on nutrient losses to water: data on the effects of soil drainage characteristics

2005 ◽  
Vol 51 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 73-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Kurz ◽  
H. Tunney ◽  
C.E. Coxon
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Rainfall ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Grassland Management ◽  
Drainage Water ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Soil P ◽  
Total Ammonia ◽  
Reactive Phosphorus ◽  
The Impact

Against the background of increasing nutrient concentrations in Irish water bodies, this study set out to gain information on the potential of agricultural grassland to lose nutrients to water. Overland flow, flow from artificial subsurface drains and stream flow were gauged and sampled during heavy rainfall events. Dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), potassium (K), total ammonia (TA), and total oxidised nitrogen (TON) were measured in water samples. When the nutrient concentrations in water were examined in relation to the grassland management practices of the study catchments it emerged that soil P levels, the application of organic and inorganic fertilisers before heavy rainfall and the presence of grazing animals could all influence nutrient concentrations in surface and subsurface drainage water. Overall, the drainage characteristics of soil were found to have a considerable influence on the potential of land to lose nutrients to water.

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Organic Carbon Cycling in an Arctic Lake

1985 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 797-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Whalen ◽  
J. C. Cornwell
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Primary Production ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Nutrient Retention ◽  
Overlying Water ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Outlet Stream ◽  
Organic Carbon Cycling ◽  
Nitrogen Phosphorus

Budgets for nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic carbon in Toolik Lake, Alaska, were assembled from data collected during 1977–81. The annual total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) loads to the Sake were 8557, 290, and 4.64 mmol∙m−2. Inlet streams were the major source of nutrients to the lake, as direct precipitation provided only 1, 2, and 5%, respectively, of the annual TOC, TN, and TP loads to the lake. Up to 30% of the annual N and P inputs to the lake from riverine sources occurred during the first 10 d of stream flow following breakup when cold water temperatures and snow-covered ice limited primary production. Due to the short water renewal time (0.5 yr), efficiency of nutrient retention was poor and 90, 82, and 70% of the annual TOC, TN, and TP inputs to the lake were discharged at the outlet stream. Regeneration within the water column supplied 40–66% and 68–78% of the N and P necessary for measured primary production. Yearly accumulation rates for C, N, and P in the sediment were about 220, 21.0, and 1.75 mmol∙m−2. Phosphorus remineralized within the sediment was completely retained due to adsorption onto Fe oxide minerals in the oxidizing surface layer. Annual rates of release of C and N to the overlying water column were 110 and 11.5–22.2 mmol∙m2. Mass balance considerations showed no serious errors in estimates of any terms of the annual sediment and water column N, P, and organic C budgets.

Effect of geomorphological setting and rainfall on nutrient exchange in mangroves during tidal inundation

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (10) ◽  
pp. 1197 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Fernanda Adame ◽  
Bernardino Virdis ◽  
Catherine E. Lovelock
Keyword(s):  
Soluble Reactive Phosphorus ◽  
Nutrient Retention ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Tidal Inundation ◽  
Nutrient Exchange ◽  
Tidal Cycles ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Reactive Phosphorus ◽  
Riverine Mangroves

One of the key ecosystem services provided by mangroves is their role in mediating nutrient exchange, thereby protecting coastal ecosystems from negative impacts of nutrient enrichment. In this study, we tested whether geomorphological setting and level of rainfall affect the intensity and direction of nutrient exchange. Our hypotheses were that tidal mangroves retain more nutrients than riverine mangroves and that nutrient retention is stronger during periods of high rainfall. Concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), nitrogen oxides (NOx–-N) and ammonium (NH4+) were measured from water entering and leaving the mangroves during tidal cycles. Our results show that nutrient concentrations were higher in the flood tide compared with the ebb tide by up to 28% for NOx–-N, 51% for SRP and 83% for NH4+, suggesting retention by the mangroves. Geomorphological setting determined nutrient exchange to some extent, with some riverine sites receiving more nutrients than tidal sites and thus, being more important in nutrient retention. Rainfall was important in determining nutrient exchange as it enhanced SRP and NH4+ retention. These results show that mangroves can improve water quality of creeks and rivers, and underscore the need for conservation of mangroves over a range of geomorphological settings.

Claying and deep ripping can increase crop yields and profits on water repellent sands with marginal fertility in southern Western Australia

Soil Research ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 178 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. M. Hall ◽  
H. R. Jones ◽  
W. L. Crabtree ◽  
T. L. Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Nutrient Retention ◽  
Soil Strength ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Water Repellent ◽  
Water Repellence

Sandplain soils on the south coast of Western Australia have multiple limitations to crop production that include water repellence, low water and nutrient retention, subsoil acidity, and high soil strength. Crops on sandplain soils achieve, on average, almost 85% of their rainfall-limited yield potential; however, where there are multiple limitations the corresponding value is often <50% in any given year. Previous research has shown the value of applying clay-rich subsoil (‘claying’) to ameliorate water repellent soils and improve nutrient retention. Other studies have shown that deep ripping is effective in reducing compaction in sandplain soils. This paper quantifies the effects of 5 subsoil clay rates (0, 50, 100, 200, and 300 t/ha), with and without deep ripping to 0.5m, on soil properties, crop growth, and profitability in a replicated field experiment. Crop yields were increased by 0.3–0.6 t/ha as result of added clay. The clay content of the surface soil required to alleviate water repellence and achieve the highest yield increases was 3–6% in soils with ~1% organic carbon. Longer term effects of claying included increased soil organic carbon by 0.2%, pH by 0.6 units, potassium by 47 mg/kg, soil strength by 250 kPa, and cation exchange capacity by 1.3 cmolc/kg to a depth of 0.1 m. However, changes in plant-available water (mm/m) were inconsistent between the clay treatments. Deep ripping to 0.5 m increased crop yields by 0.1–0.5 t/ha. These crop yield responses were still evident 3 years after the ripping treatment had been applied. Soil strength measurements indicate that re-compaction of the ripped treatments had occurred to a depth of 0.2 m in the second year following ripping. Crop responses to claying and deep ripping were additive. Claying and deep ripping, while almost doubling yields, achieved only 50–70% of the rainfall-limited yield potential on these marginally fertile soils. The highest clay rates (>3–6%) had cumulative discounted cash returns $AU100–200/ha higher than the unclayed ‘control’ treatment and $300/ha higher than the lowest clay rates. For most of the clay treatments, deep ripping increased discounted returns between 2005 and 2007 by $80–120/ha.

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