Nitrate in groundwater and surface water related to land use in the Karup Basin,Denmark

The content and distribution of nitrate in groundwater and surface water in the Karup Basin area have been investigated and analyzed. In addition to existing analyses, chemical profiles of the groundwater of the upper part of the water table sand aquifer were measured at a number of sites. The profiles indicate, in general, an upper oxidation zone with nitrate and a lower reduction zone free of nitrate. However, below plantation areas, the nitrate content in the oxidation zone is significantly low as well. The eight profiles are graphed separately, and all results are finally plotted on a single map by a graphic method that takes into consideration both the concentration and the level of the sampled water. The great variation in the nitrate content of the water from one water-supply well to another can easily be explained by plotting the values on maps using this graphing procedure, in conjunction with an examination of the nitrate zonation found in the profiles. The influence of agricultural activities is significantly related to the concentration of nitrate in surface water and groundwater under such water table conditions and circumstances as are found in the Karup Basin.