Groundwater nitrate pollution in the recharge zone of a regional Quaternary flow system (Wielkopolska region, Poland)

The present study examines the behaviour of nitrate in the recharge zone of a regional Quaternary flow system. The presence of contaminated groundwater with high nitrate content in the shallow part of the flow system was documented. Tritium analyses confirmed that these contaminants can migrate downward. A high downward gradient exists in the study area, extending into the regions of groundwater extraction. In the unconfined part of the flow system, which is the most vulnerable to pollution, a high concentration of nitrate was found to occur at great depth. However, denitrification processes limit nitrate migration. As a result, in the deeper parts of the flow system in regions under confined conditions, an absence of nitrate was observed, and a higher sulphate concentration and total hardness were evident. The denitrification was also confirmed by the existence of a high gaseous N₂ concentration. It was documented that denitrification occurs in both the confined and unconfined parts of the flow system, but the potential for denitrification is higher in the confined parts (leading to the disappearance of nitrate in deep aquifers). Autotrophic denitrification supported by sulphide compounds was indicated as the dominant denitrification process.     

Simulation of spatial and temporal trends in nitrate concentrations at the regional scale in the Upper Dyle basin,Belgium

Models are the only tools capable of predicting the evolution of groundwater systems at a regional scale, by taking into account a large amount of information. This study presents the association of a water balance model (WetSpass) with a groundwater flow and solute transport model (SUFT3D, saturated and unsaturated flow and transport in 3D) in order to simulate the present and future groundwater quality in terms of nitrate in the Upper Dyle basin (439 km²) Belgium. The HFEMC (hybrid finite element mixing cell) method implemented in the SUFT3D code is used to model groundwater flow and nitrate transport. Spatially distributed recharge, modelled with WetSpass, is considered for prescribing the recharge to the groundwater flow model. The feasibility of linking the WetSpass model with the finite-elements SUFT3D code is demonstrated. Time evolution and distribution of nitrate concentration are then simulated using the calibrated model. Nitrate inputs are spatially distributed according to land use. The spatial simulations and temporal trends are compared with previously published data on this aquifer and show good results.     

Modeling coupled unsaturated and saturated nitrate distribution of the aquifer Westliches Leibnitzer Feld, Austria

The aquifer Westliches Leibnitzer Feld, Austria, is a significant resource for regional and supraregional drinking water supply for more than 100,000 inhabitants, but the region also provides excellent agricultural conditions. This dual use implicates conflicts (e.g., non-point source groundwater pollution by nitrogen leaching), which have to be harmonized for a sustainable coexistence. At the aquifer scale, numerical models are state-of-the-art tools to simulate the behavior of groundwater quantity and quality and serve as decision support system for implementing groundwater protecting measures. While fully and iteratively coupled simulation models consider feedback between the saturated and unsaturated zone, sandy soil conditions and groundwater depths beneath the root zone allow the use of a unidirectional sequential coupling of the unsaturated water flow and nitrate transport model SIMWASER/STOTRASIM with FEFLOW for the investigation area. Considering separated inputs of water and nitrogen into groundwater out of surface water bodies, agricultural, residential and forested areas, first simulation results match observed groundwater tables, but underestimate nitrate concentrations in general. Thus, multiple scenarios assuming higher nitrogen inputs at the surface are simulated to converge with measured nitrate concentrations. Preliminary results indicate that N-input into the groundwater is strongly dominated by contributions of agricultural land.     

Estimation of nitrate load from septic systems to surface water bodies using an ArcGIS-based software

Nitrate, as a commonly identified groundwater and surface water pollutant, poses serious threats to human health and the environment. One important source of nitrate in the environment is due to wastewater treatment using Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) (a.k.a., septic systems). To facilitate water resources and environmental management, an ArcGIS-Based Nitrate Load Estimation Toolkit (ArcNLET) is developed to simulate nitrate transport and estimate nitrate load from septic systems and collocated fertilizer applications in groundwater to surface water bodies. It is a screening tool based on a simplified conceptual model of groundwater flow and nitrate transport. It is used in this study to estimate nitrate load from thousands of septic systems to surface water bodies in two neighborhoods located in Jacksonville, FL, USA, where nitrate due to septic systems is believed to be one of the reasons of nutrient enrichment and an isotope study indicates that denitrification is significant. A global sensitivity analysis is performed to identify critical parameters for model calibration, and the most critical parameter is the first-order decay coefficient used to simulate the denitrification process. Hydraulic conductivities at different soil zones have different levels of influence on simulated nitrate concentrations at different locations. By manually adjusting model parameters, simulated shapes of water table and nitrate concentration agree reasonably with average field observations, suggesting that ArcNLET is able to simulate spatial variability of field observations. Estimated nitrate loads exhibit spatial variability, which is useful to facilitate decisions on the conversion of OSTDS into sewers in certain areas for reducing nitrate load from septic systems to surface water bodies.     

The role of sediment denitrification in reducing groundwater-derived nitrate inputs to Nauset Marsh estuary, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

The Nauset Marsh estuary is the most extensive (9.45 km²) and least disturbed salt marsh/estuarine system within the Cape Cod National Seashore, even though much of the 19 km² watershed area of the estuary is developed for residential or commercial purposes. Because all of the Nauset watershed is serviced by on-site individual sewage disposal systems, there is concern over the potential impact of groundwater-derived nutrients passing from these systems to the shallow receiving waters of the estuary. The purpose of this study was to determine whether denitrification (the bacterial conversion of nitrate to gaseous nitrogen) in estuarine sediments could effectively remove the nitrate from contaminated groundwater before it passed from the watershed to the estuary. Rates of denitrification were measured both in situ and in sediment cores, in areas of active groundwater discharge, in relatively pristine locations, and in areas situated down-gradient of moderate to heavily developed regions of the watershed. Denitrification rates for 47 sediment cores taken over an annual cycle at 5 stations ranged from non-detectable to 47 μmol N₂ m⁻² h⁻. Mean denitrification rates were positively correlated with sediment organic content, and varied seasonally due to changes in sediment organic content and to the effect of water temperatures on sediment oxygen penetration depths. There was no correlation between observed denitrification rates and corresponding nitrate concentrations in groundwater. A comparison of in situ denitrification rates (supported by groundwater nitrate) with denitrification rates observed in sediment cores (supported by remineralized nitrate) showed that groundwater-driven denitrification rates were small, and not in excess of denitrification rates supported by remineralized nitrate. Most of the denitrification in Nauset sediments was apparently fueled by remineralized nitrate through coupled nitrification/denitrification. Denitrification did not contribute significantly to the direct loss of nitrate from incoming groundwater at Nauset Marsh estuary. Groundwater flow was rapid, and much of it occurred in freshwater springs and seeps through very coarse, sandy, well-oxygenated sediments of limited organic content. There was little opportunity for denitrification to occur during groundwater passage through these sediments. These results have important management implications because they suggest that the majority of nitrogen from contaminated groundwater crosses the sediment/water interface and arrives at Nauset Estuary, where it is available to primary producers. Preliminary budget calculations suggest that while denitrification was not an effective mechanism for the direct removal of nitrate in contaminated groundwater flowing to Nauset Marsh estuary, it may contribute to significant nitrogen losses from the estuary itself.     

A regional groundwater-flow model for sustainable groundwater-resource management in the south Asian megacity of Dhaka,Bangladesh

The water resources that supply most of the megacities in the world are under increased pressure because of land transformation, population growth, rapid urbanization, and climate-change impacts. Dhaka, in Bangladesh, is one of the largest of 22 growing megacities in the world, and it depends on mainly groundwater for all kinds of water needs. The regional groundwater-flow model MODFLOW-2005 was used to simulate the interaction between aquifers and rivers in steady-state and transient conditions during the period 1981–2013, to assess the impact of development and climate change on the regional groundwater resources. Detailed hydro-stratigraphic units are described according to 150 lithology logs, and a three-dimensional model of the upper 400 m of the Greater Dhaka area was constructed. The results explain how the total abstraction (2.9 million m³/d) in the Dhaka megacity, which has caused regional cones of depression, is balanced by recharge and induced river leakage. The simulated outcome shows the general trend of groundwater flow in the sedimentary Holocene aquifers under a variety of hydrogeological conditions, which will assist in the future development of a rational and sustainable management approach.

     

Evaluation of intrinsic vulnerability to nitrate contamination of groundwater: appropriate fertilizer application management

In agricultural areas, fertilizer application is the main source of nitrate contamination of groundwater. To develop fertilizer management strategies to combat this problem, arable land in Hokkaido, Japan was evaluated using geographic information system techniques for intrinsic groundwater vulnerability to nitrate contamination. The DRASTIC method was modified to adapt it to the Hokkaido environment and used for the evaluation. Of the seven original DRASTIC factors, the depth to water (D), net recharge (R), soil media (S), topography (T), and impact of vadose zone media (I) were selected and used to explain the vertical movement of contaminants to the aquifer. The rating for the net recharge factor was also modified to a dilution factor for contaminants, rather than as a transporter. The frequency of wells with nitrate concentrations exceeding the Japanese environmental standard (10 mg/L) was reasonably explained by vulnerability evaluation results (GLM: logit-link, quasi-binomial distribution, Y = [1 + exp(6.873765 − 0.045988 × X)]⁻¹, p < 0.001). However, in the paddy fields and pastures, vulnerability did not exhibit a clear relationship with the frequency of wells exceeding the standard. This suggests that the modified DRASTIC method is applicable for fertilizer application management in upland fields. In addition, under the ongoing policy for acreage allotment for rice production, this method will be useful for deciding the arrangement of arable land and crop rotation taking into consideration the potential risk of fertilizer-induced nitrate contamination of groundwater.     

Salinization and Deterioration of Groundwater Quality by Nitrate and Fluoride in the Chittur Block,Palakkad, Kerala

Chittur block represents a mid-land region of Palakkad district, Kerala and the block differs from the rest of the blocks in its climate and availability of groundwater. About 75% of the people depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Results showed that groundwater salinity levels (up to 1,963 mg/L TDS),fluoride (up to 6.3 mg/L) and nitrate (up to 141 mg/L) contents have increased significantly in tandem with the increase in groundwater abstraction. Before human intervention the chemical weathering of gneisses and granites was the main process impinging on the chemical signature of groundwater. The initial chemical equilibrium conditions change with increasing groundwater withdrawal rates and fertilizer input, in a milieu of lower natural groundwater recharge. The appearance of higher levels of bicarbonate, linked to denitrification processes, and the decrease in calcium, due to calcite precipitation, can lead to increased content of sodium and fluoride in groundwater. In this scenario the use of groundwater resources for human consumption and agriculture represents a public health risk if water management actions do not change the trend in water use in the near future. The potential loss of fertile soil by groundwater salinization must also be considered when planning sustainable policies in a region with over dependence on groundwater resources.     

云南滇池流域西芹种植区不同施肥条件下的地下水环境氮素污染

通过野外田间实验,研究了高量施肥处理、低量施肥处理、不施肥处理以及空白对照裸地等不同施肥处理条件下土壤水中各种形态氮的时空分布情况,探讨了地下水环境中氮素在不同施肥处理条件下的迁移转化特征.结果表明,在各种处理条件下,土壤水中硝态氮质量浓度随深度的增大而减小,而亚硝态氮与铵态氮质量浓度在剖面上的变化幅度较大,这种变化主要受土壤水氧化还原电位的影响.硝态氮随时间的变化趋势在4个处理区表现各异:在高量施肥处理区,各层位的土壤水中硝态氮质量浓度总体上呈增大趋势;在低量施肥处理区,硝态氮受作物生长和灌溉的影响呈拍岸浪式向下迁移;在不施肥处理区和空白对照裸地处理区,由于表层土壤中硝态氮背景值较高(0～30 cm处土壤硝态氮平均质量分数达到15.59 g/kg),灌溉水的下渗也导致硝态氮向下迁移.高量施肥处理区和空白对照裸地处理区土壤水的对比表明,施肥可促进0.6～1.5 m深处土壤的反硝化作用,从而增大这些层位土壤水中亚硝态氮和铵态氮的质量浓度.     

Scale aspects of groundwater flow and transport systems

Flow-system analysis is based on the concept of hierarchical groundwater flow systems. The topography of the water table, which is strongly related to the topography of the land surface, is a major factor in the hierarchical nesting of gravity-driven groundwater flow, resulting in flow systems of different orders of magnitude in lateral extent and depth of penetration. The concept of flow systems is extremely useful in the analysis of spatial and temporal scales and their mutual relationships. Basic equations on the laboratory scale are extended to larger, regional scales. Making use of Fourier analysis further develops Tóth's original idea of topography-driven flow systems. In this way, the different spatial scales of the water table are separated in a natural way, leading to a simple expression for the penetration depth of a flow system. This decomposition leads also to the relationship between spatial and temporal scales. Analogous to flow systems, water bodies with different water quality may be called 'transport systems.' Field studies, numerical micro-scale modeling over macro-scale domains, and stochastic dispersion theory indicate that between systems with steady transport, the interfaces are relatively thin. The interfaces are much thinner than the relatively large mixing zones predicted by the conventional engineering approach to macrodispersion, in which relatively large, time-independent macrodispersion lengths are applied. A relatively simple alternative engineering approach is presented. For macrodispersion of propagating solute plumes, the alternative dispersion term gives the same results as the conventional engineering approach and gives correct results for steady-state transport.     

Nitrate pollution of ground waters from shallow basaltic aquifers,Deccan Trap Hydrologic Province,India

Analyses of groundwater samples collected from several locations in a small watershed of the Deccan Trap Hydrologic Province, indicated anomalously higher values of nitrate than the background. However, the NO₃ concentrations in water from dug wells under pastureland where the subsurface material consisted of stony waste were minimum. The maximum values were reported for water from dug wells where the principal land use was agricultural. Lowering of NO₃ values under shallow water-table conditions suggests denitrification. Higher concentrations of nitrate determined for samples collected from the wells with a deeper water-table indicate that denitrification process is inactive. The high values of nitrate coinciding with agricultural land use indicate fertilizers as the main source of nitrate pollution of ground-water. Decrease in Cl/NO₃ ratio for agricultural land use confirms this inference.     

Hydrogeological and multi-isotopic approach to define nitrate pollution and denitrification processes in a coastal aquifer (Sardinia,Italy)

Agricultural coastal areas are frequently affected by the superimposition of various processes, with a combination of anthropogenic and natural sources, which degrade groundwater quality. In the coastal multi-aquifer system of Arborea (Italy)—a reclaimed morass area identified as a nitrate vulnerable zone, according to Nitrate Directive 91/676/EEC—intensive agricultural and livestock activities contribute to substantial nitrate contamination. For this reason, the area can be considered a bench test for tuning an appropriate methodology aiming to trace the nitrate contamination in different conditions. An approach combining environmental isotopes, water quality and hydrogeological indicators was therefore used to understand the origins and attenuation mechanisms of nitrate pollution and to define the relationship between contaminant and groundwater flow dynamics through the multi-aquifer characterized by sandy (SHU), alluvial (AHU), and volcanic hydrogeological (VHU) units. Various groundwater chemical pathways were consistent with both different nitrogen sources and groundwater dynamics. Isotope composition suggests a mixed source for nitrate (organic and synthetic fertilizer), especially for the AHU and SHU groundwater. Moreover, marked heterotrophic denitrification and sulfate reduction processes were detected; although, for the contamination related to synthetic fertilizer, the attenuation was inefficient at removing NO₃^? to less than the human consumption threshold of 50 mg/L. Various factors contributed to control the distribution of the redox processes, such as the availability of carbon sources (organic fertilizer and the presence of lagoon-deposited aquitards), well depth, and groundwater flow paths. The characterization of these processes supports water-resource management plans, future actions, and regulations, particularly in nitrate vulnerable zones.     

Nitrogen budget of a typical subterranean river in peak cluster karst area

Karst groundwater is one of the important water resources for people in the world. There is an estimate that by 2028 karst groundwater will supply more than 80% of people in the world. However, several areas in the world are characterized by high nitrate concentrations in karst aquifers. In China, karst groundwater is also threatened by extensive use of fertilizer and pesticides, industry waste, septic systems and poultry, hog or cattle manure. In order to understand the water quality of a subterranean river in south China, especially the dynamic variation of nitrate, nitrogen input and output were determined via auto-monitored apparatus, manual observation and samples from 2004 to 2008 in Guancun subterranean river drainage area. Land use and anthropogenic activities were also investigated frequently. The results showed the range of nitrate variation was 2.56–15.40 mg l⁻¹, with an average value of 6.60 mg l⁻¹. Spatial variation of nitrate concentrations showed nitrate rose where there were villages and agriculture distribution. Long series of nitrate and discharge monitoring revealed there was a nitrate peak in spring just before the beginning of rainy season. Three rainfall events were selected for analysis of relations among hydrological process, water chemistry, and nitrate of the spring. The flood processes of the spring were divided into three or four phases according to change of water level and water chemistry. They were dominated by initial condition of aquifer, piston flow in soil and vadose, piston flow in conduit, diffuse recharge, and bypass recharge. The original condition of aquifer and rainfall pulse controlled recharge flow and changes of nitrate and hydro-chemical graphs of the spring. The quantity of nitrogen input in a year was 66.61 t, and the output was 21.24 t. Nitrogen leaching loss in base flow accounted for 76.11% in a year. Some measures should be taken to protect karst water in the very near future, so that health risks to the local people can be decreased.     

Denitrification capacity in a subterranean estuary below a Rhode Island fringing salt marsh

Coastal waters are severely threatened by nitrogen (N) loading from direct groundwater discharge. The subterranean estuary, the mixing zone of fresh groundwater and sea water in a coastal aquifer, has a high potential to remove substantial N. A network of piezometers was used to characterize the denitrification capacity and groundwater flow paths in the subterranean estuary below a Rhode Island fringing salt marsh.¹⁵N-enriched nitrate was injected into the subterranean estuary (in situ push-pull method) to evaluate the denitrification capacity of the saturated zone at multiple depths (125–300 cm) below different zones (upland-marsh transition zone, high marsh, and low marsh). From the upland to low marsh, the water table became shallower, groundwater dissolved oxygen decreased, and groundwater pH, soil organic carbon, and total root biomass increased. As groundwater approached the high and low marsh, the hydraulic gradient increased and deep groundwater upwelled. In the warm season (groundwater temperature >12 °C), elevated groundwater denitrification capacity within each zone was observed. The warm season low marsh groundwater denitrification capacity was significantly higher than all other zones and depths. In the cool season (groundwater temperature <10.5 °C), elevated groundwater denitrification capacity was only found in the low marsh. Additions of dissolved organic carbon did not alter groundwater denitrification capacity suggesting that an alternative electron donor, possibly transported by tidal inundation from the root zone, may be limiting. Combining flow paths with denitrification capacity and saturated porewater residence time, we estimated that as much as 29–60 mg N could be removed from 11 of water flowing through the subterranean estuary below the low marsh, arguing for the significance of subterranean estuaries in annual watershed scale N budgets.     

Environmental characterization of a karst polje: an example from Izeh polje,southwest Iran

Groundwater contamination is a well-known phenomenon, which occurs on local and regional scales in Izeh polje. The aims of this paper are investigation of the impact of human activities on the polje ecosystem, determination of the vulnerability of ground water, and to solve environmental problems. Nitrate contamination of groundwater in the Izeh polje was predicted using a solute transport model. The nitrate concentration in groundwater in most parts of Izeh polje is greater than maximum concentration permissible for drinking water, i.e., 45 mg/l. The main source of nitrate in the eastern underground areas of Izeh city is the domestic sewage. Bacterial pollution of shallow ground water in Izeh polje is severe and widespread. About 45% of ground water samples in May and September 2001 have positive MPN coliforms. Infiltration of polluted surface waters and decrease of water table depth, have lead to bacterial pollution of 80% of ground water samples in January 2002. The northeast, south and southwest areas of Izeh polje have higher pollution potential rather than its middle parts. The aquifer vulnerability indices in the middle, eastern, and northern parts of the polje are moderately lower as a result of decreased sediment size of the aquifer. The pollution in the polje depends on the amount and presence of pollutants. If they do exist, the possibility of pollution is considerable due to the coarseness of materials and shallow depth of groundwater table.     

大区域地下水流数值模拟研究现状及存在问题

在分析大区域地下水流数值模型构建缘起的前提下,系统论述了近年来地下水流数值模拟在大区域地下水资源评价、水文地质参数确定、地面沉降、溶质运移、海水入侵、盐渍化、风险评估、地下水管理及地表水与地下水的联合开发利用等方面的国内外研究应用现状;归纳、总结了目前大区域地下水流数值模型在灵敏度分析、裂隙和岩溶介质中模型建立、基于地下水流数值模拟的溶质运移模型建立、地下水流数值模型构建所需工作量等理论和方法研究及实际建模过程中存在的一些问题;展望了今后大区域地下水流数值拟在研究范围、模拟技术与方法以及与其它模型耦合等方面的发展趋势。     

Relations of hydrogeologic factors, groundwater reduction-oxidation conditions, and temporal and spatial distributions of nitrate, Central-Eastside San Joaquin Valley, California, USA

In a 2,700-km² area in the eastern San Joaquin Valley, California (USA), data from multiple sources were used to determine interrelations among hydrogeologic factors, reduction-oxidation (redox) conditions, and temporal and spatial distributions of nitrate (NO₃), a widely detected groundwater contaminant. Groundwater is predominantly modern, or mixtures of modern water, with detectable NO₃ and oxic redox conditions, but some zones have anoxic or mixed redox conditions. Anoxic conditions were associated with long residence times that occurred near the valley trough and in areas of historical groundwater discharge with shallow depth to water. Anoxic conditions also were associated with interactions of shallow, modern groundwater with soils. NO₃ concentrations were significantly lower in anoxic than oxic or mixed redox groundwater, primarily because residence times of anoxic waters exceed the duration of increased pumping and fertilizer use associated with modern agriculture. Effects of redox reactions on NO₃ concentrations were relatively minor. Dissolved N₂ gas data indicated that denitrification has eliminated >5 mg/L NO₃–N in about 10% of 39 wells. Increasing NO₃ concentrations over time were slightly less prevalent in anoxic than oxic or mixed redox groundwater. Spatial and temporal trends of NO₃ are primarily controlled by water and NO₃ fluxes of modern land use.     

Seepage of groundwater nitrate from a riparian agroecosystem into the Wye River estuary

Intensive research in Chesapeake Bay has indicated that reductions in nitrogen inputs to the bay will be necessary to restore water quality to levels needed for resurgence of bay living resources. Fall-line water quality monitoring efferts have characterized diffuse-source nitrogen inputs from a large percentage of the bay drainage basin, but relatively little information exists regarding rates of nitrogen delivery to tidal waters from coastal plain regions. Extensive nitrate contamination of shallow groundwater due to agricultural activities, coupled with the dominant role of subsurface flow in discharge from Coastal Plain regions of the drainage basin, creates the potential for high rates of nitrogen delivery to tidal waters via groundwater seepage. This study utilized intensive hydrologic and water chemistry monitoring from April 1992 through September 1994 to determine the spatial characteristics of the groundwater-estuarine interface, as well as the rates of subsurface nitrogen transport from an agricultural field into nearshore waters of the Wye River, a subestuary of Chesapeake Bay. The hydrogeologic characteristics of the study site resulted in groundwater discharge to the Wye River occurring almost exclusively within 15 m of the shoreline. Calculated groundwater discharge rates were found to vary widely in the short term due to tidal fluctuations but in the long term were driven by seasonal changes in groundwater recharge rates. The zone of groundwater discharge contracted shoreward during summer months of low discharge, and expanded to a maximum width of approximately 15 m during high discharge periods in late winter. Average discharge rates were more than five times higher in winter versus summer months. Groundwater nitrate concentrations entering the discharge zone were relatively stable throughout the study period, with little evidence of denitrification or nitrate uptake by riparian vegetation. Consequently, nitrogen discharge patterns reflected the strong seasonality in groundwater discharge. Annual nitrate-N discharge was approximately 1.2 kg m^?1 of shoreline, indicating drainage basin rates of nitrogen delivery to tidal waters of approximately 60 kg ha^?1.     

Nitrate in groundwater and the unsaturated zone in (semi)arid northern China: baseline and factors controlling its transport and fate

Knowledge of the baseline of groundwater nitrate is essential for water quality management. As large-scale anthropogenic activities, especially utilization of chemical fertilizers began from the 1950s in most countries, such as China, the baseline of groundwater nitrate can be determined from pre-modern water using tritium and statistical analysis. In the (semi)arid northern China, the median values of nitrate baseline for the three large regions (Tarim river basin, TRB; Loess Plateau of China, LPC; North China Plain, NCP) range from 2 to 9 mg/L (as NO₃). Several main factors control nitrate content in the unsaturated zone moisture and in groundwater, e.g., nitrate input, sediment moisture movement (direction and rate), and depth of water table at the macroscopic scale in (semi)arid areas, where nitrate loss by denitrification can be limited. Sixteen unsaturated zone profiles (638 sediment samples in total) with depths ranging from 5 to 18.25 m were sampled to demonstrate how those factors affect groundwater nitrate. As sediment moisture moves upward from the water table in the TRB case, a large inventory of nitrate in the unsaturated zone with evapo-transpired origin would never enter groundwater and groundwater nitrate contents remain at the baseline level. On the contrary, in the LPC and NCP, nitrate from fertilizers may pass through the unsaturated zone and eventually reach the water table to pollute groundwater. It is also noticed that there is a time lag between land-use change and groundwater quality response, due to the buffering capacity of the thick unsaturated zone, to which attention should be paid regarding water quality management.     

Visual Modflow在石家庄市地下水硝酸盐污染模拟中的应用

利用Visual Modflow软件建立了石家庄市长达42 a的二维潜水水流模型和硝酸盐运移模型.收集整理大量地下水监测报告和研究报告提供的数据用于模型的建立,详细的地下水位和硝酸盐浓度监测数据以及不同时期的等水位线图用于模型校正.敏感度分析显示面状硝酸盐补给浓度是引起地下水NO3-浓度变化最敏感因子.利用校正的模型分3种管理方案预测了未来30 a内地下水硝酸盐浓度的变化.拟合、验证和预测结果显示该模型可作为石家庄市地下水管理的有效工具.