Geochemical data were obtained to investigate the fate and transport of nitrogen in a subterranea... more Geochemical data were obtained to investigate the fate and transport of nitrogen in a subterranean estuary near East Falmouth, Massachusetts. The goal of this investigation was to assess nitrogen attenuation in the aquifer under the Eel River Estuary and the adjacent peninsula that was densely populated with residences having septic systems and legacy cesspool inputs of inorganic nitrogen. This estuary is one of many small embayments on Cape Cod where nutrient enrichment can lead to eutrophication and is a major concern for water-quality impairment. Groundwater water-quality data were collected from 3 transects from a total of 27 locations that were sampled between November 2015 and October 2016. Samples were analyzed for pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, nitrate + nitrite, ammonium, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and dissolved organic carbon. Selected samples were also analyzed for gaseous concentrations of nitrogen and argon. Water-level altitudes were measured durin...
<p>Denitrification and anammox are the main nitrogen (N) removal pathways i... more <p>Denitrification and anammox are the main nitrogen (N) removal pathways in seawaters. Both processes are important in regions, such as the Baltic Sea, which receive high nutrient loads, that enhance primary production and eutrophication. The Baltic Sea is also characterized by a strong vertical salinity gradient and the presence of a permanent halocline hampering mixing in the water column and ventilation of the deep water layers. Rare events of deep water renewal, together with high oxygen consumption, lead to suboxic and anoxic conditions in the Baltic Sea, which are favorable for denitrification and anammox – processes for which the end product is a non-reactive N<sub>2</sub>. In seawater, the concentration of dissolved gases is controlled by biological and physical processes. The latter can be traced by measuring inert gases such as argon (Ar). Hence, the N<sub>2</sub>/Ar ratio can be used to separate physical and biological effects influencing N<sub>2</sub> fields. This approach may suit especially to the stratified water bodies, where deep waters are separated from the surface water layer influenced by the gas exchange with the atmosphere.</p><p>The study aimed at investigating the potential use of the supersaturation ratio – ΔN<sub>2 </sub>as a tracer of denitrification and anammox processes in the water column of the Baltic Proper. The ΔN<sub>2 </sub>ratio was derived as an anomaly from the N<sub>2</sub>/Ar ratio in seawater being at equilibrium with the atmosphere. The used technique was Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry, which allows performing high-precision measurements of dissolved N<sub>2</sub> and Ar in water (masses 28 and 40 were detected, respectively). Seawater samples were collected between 2017 and 2021 from nineteen stations, including Gdańsk, Gotland, and Bornholm Deeps.</p><p>The ΔN<sub>2 </sub>indicated N<sub>2 </sub>accumulation in the oxygen minimum zones below the halocline with the highest values found​​ in the bottom layers. This can be explained by both denitrification and possibly anammox in the water column and with N<sub>2</sub> release from sediments. ΔN<sub>2</sub> values ranged from 1.0 to 32.6 µmol L<sup>-1</sup>. In autumn 2021 a significant difference in ΔN<sub>2 </sub>(p = 0.0008) between the studied sites was observed. For example on station located in Gotland Deep ΔN<sub>2</sub> values were in the range from 17.6 to 32.6 µmol L<sup>-1</sup>, while on station located in the Central Baltic Proper the maximum was 6.1 µmol L<sup>-1</sup>. The seasonal ΔN<sub>2</sub> changes (autumn, spring, and winter) were investigated for two stations located in the Gdańsk Deep and indicated statistically significant variability (p=0.0077) with the highest ΔN<sub>2</sub> observed in winter. Additionally, ΔN<sub>2</sub> was negatively correlated with nitrate (R<sup>2</sup>=0.5469) and oxygen (R<sup>2</sup>=0.6382), positively with phosphate (R<sup>2</sup>=0.4382) and ammonium (R<sup>2</sup>=0.2898), while no clear dependency was observed for nitrite (R<sup>2</sup>=0.0388).</p><p>The presented study was the first attempt performed on such a large scale in the Baltic Proper. It demonstrates a high potential in the use of supersaturation ratio for identification of the active sites for denitrification and anammox processes.</p><p> </p><p>The results were obtained within the framework of the statutory activities of the Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences and the research project: 2019/34/E/ST10/00217 funded by the Polish National Science Centre.</p>
Assessment of biogeochemical processes and transformations at the aquifer-estuary interface and m... more Assessment of biogeochemical processes and transformations at the aquifer-estuary interface and measurement of the chemical flux from submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) zones to coastal water bodies are critical for evaluating ecosystem service, geochemical budgets, and eutrophication status. The U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Delaware measured rates of SGD and concentrations of dissolved constituents, including nitrogen species, from recirculating ultrasonic and manual seepage meters, and in nearshore groundwater, on the southern shore of Guinea Creek, an estuarine tributary of Rehoboth Bay, in Millsboro, Delaware, in June, August, and October of 2015. A novel oxygen- and light-regulated seepage meter and a standard seepage meter were deployed as an adjacent pair and sampled at 0.5- to 2-hour intervals across the majority or entirety of single tidal cycles (8 to 12 hours). SGD rate was measured within an attached collection bag (0.5- to 2-hour intervals), or with a...
Groundwater data were collected in the spring and fall of 2008 from three sites representing diff... more Groundwater data were collected in the spring and fall of 2008 from three sites representing different geological settings and biogeochemical conditions within the surficial glacial aquifer of Long Island, NY. Investigations were designed to examine the extent to which average vadose zone thickness in contributing watersheds controlled biogeochemical conditions and processes, including dissolved oxygen concentration (DO), oxidation-reduction potential (Eh), dissolved organic carbon concentration (DOC), and microbial dinitrogen (N2) production. Greatest N2 production was observed at the south shore of Long Island, which is characterized by a thin vadose zone, low DO and Eh, and relatively high DOC. Limited N2 production occurred at the north shore of Long Island, which is characterized by a thick vadose zone, higher DO, higher Eh, and lower DOC. Our results show that vadose zone thickness exerts an important control on the extent of microbial N2 production in aquifers that lack a sig...
Abstract The CO2 system dynamics in coastal areas strongly controlled by river outflow is largely... more Abstract The CO2 system dynamics in coastal areas strongly controlled by river outflow is largely understudied. In this study, the influence of a large, continental, carbonate-rich river on the carbonate system was seasonally examined in the vicinity of the Vistula River Mouth. Three parameters describing the CO2 system were investigated: the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), total alkalinity (TA), and pH, together with salinity, temperature, oxygen concentration, calcium cation (Ca2+), particulate inorganic carbon (PIC), and inorganic carbon (IC) in sediments. TA varied from 1700 μmol kg−1 in the brackish water of the Gdansk Bay to 3475 μmol kg−1 in the Vistula River plume, highlighting the difference between the two end-members. Highest pCO2 was observed in October (855 μatm) and lowest in May (148 μatm). Oxygen concentration was negatively correlated to pCO2 in all seasons, suggesting that both were inversely controlled by the net ecosystem production (NEP). The pH seasonal variation was significant with a range of 0.72 unit. The calcium carbonate saturation (Ω) varied from 0.8 to 8.5 for calcite and from 0.5 to 8.5 for aragonite, both displaying Ω This study shows the importance of ecosystem metabolism and TA end-member variability (3138–3631 μmol kg−1), for controlling pH in the vicinity of the Vistula River Mouth. In addition, we present data on PIC , supporting possible deposition of inorganic forms of carbon to the sediments near the Vistula River Mouth.
Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) is an important yet poorly recognised pathway of material t... more Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) is an important yet poorly recognised pathway of material transport to the marine environment. This work reports on the results of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and loads in the groundwater seeping into the southern Baltic Sea. Most of the research was carried out in the Bay of Puck (2009–2010), while in 2013 * The study reports the results obtained within the framework of the following projects: the statutory activities of the Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences theme 2.2, research project No. 2012/05/N/ST10/02761 sponsored by the National Science Centre, and AMBER, the BONUS+ EU FP6 Project. The complete text of the paper is available at http://www.iopan.gda.pl/oceanologia/ 328 B. Szymczycha, A. Maciejewska, A. Winogradow, J. Pempkowiak the study was extended to include several other groundwater seepage impacted areas situated along the Polish coastline. The annual average con...
Geochemical data were obtained to investigate the fate and transport of nitrogen in a subterranea... more Geochemical data were obtained to investigate the fate and transport of nitrogen in a subterranean estuary near East Falmouth, Massachusetts. The goal of this investigation was to assess nitrogen attenuation in the aquifer under the Eel River Estuary and the adjacent peninsula that was densely populated with residences having septic systems and legacy cesspool inputs of inorganic nitrogen. This estuary is one of many small embayments on Cape Cod where nutrient enrichment can lead to eutrophication and is a major concern for water-quality impairment. Groundwater water-quality data were collected from 3 transects from a total of 27 locations that were sampled between November 2015 and October 2016. Samples were analyzed for pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, nitrate + nitrite, ammonium, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and dissolved organic carbon. Selected samples were also analyzed for gaseous concentrations of nitrogen and argon. Water-level altitudes were measured durin...
<p>Denitrification and anammox are the main nitrogen (N) removal pathways i... more <p>Denitrification and anammox are the main nitrogen (N) removal pathways in seawaters. Both processes are important in regions, such as the Baltic Sea, which receive high nutrient loads, that enhance primary production and eutrophication. The Baltic Sea is also characterized by a strong vertical salinity gradient and the presence of a permanent halocline hampering mixing in the water column and ventilation of the deep water layers. Rare events of deep water renewal, together with high oxygen consumption, lead to suboxic and anoxic conditions in the Baltic Sea, which are favorable for denitrification and anammox – processes for which the end product is a non-reactive N<sub>2</sub>. In seawater, the concentration of dissolved gases is controlled by biological and physical processes. The latter can be traced by measuring inert gases such as argon (Ar). Hence, the N<sub>2</sub>/Ar ratio can be used to separate physical and biological effects influencing N<sub>2</sub> fields. This approach may suit especially to the stratified water bodies, where deep waters are separated from the surface water layer influenced by the gas exchange with the atmosphere.</p><p>The study aimed at investigating the potential use of the supersaturation ratio – ΔN<sub>2 </sub>as a tracer of denitrification and anammox processes in the water column of the Baltic Proper. The ΔN<sub>2 </sub>ratio was derived as an anomaly from the N<sub>2</sub>/Ar ratio in seawater being at equilibrium with the atmosphere. The used technique was Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry, which allows performing high-precision measurements of dissolved N<sub>2</sub> and Ar in water (masses 28 and 40 were detected, respectively). Seawater samples were collected between 2017 and 2021 from nineteen stations, including Gdańsk, Gotland, and Bornholm Deeps.</p><p>The ΔN<sub>2 </sub>indicated N<sub>2 </sub>accumulation in the oxygen minimum zones below the halocline with the highest values found​​ in the bottom layers. This can be explained by both denitrification and possibly anammox in the water column and with N<sub>2</sub> release from sediments. ΔN<sub>2</sub> values ranged from 1.0 to 32.6 µmol L<sup>-1</sup>. In autumn 2021 a significant difference in ΔN<sub>2 </sub>(p = 0.0008) between the studied sites was observed. For example on station located in Gotland Deep ΔN<sub>2</sub> values were in the range from 17.6 to 32.6 µmol L<sup>-1</sup>, while on station located in the Central Baltic Proper the maximum was 6.1 µmol L<sup>-1</sup>. The seasonal ΔN<sub>2</sub> changes (autumn, spring, and winter) were investigated for two stations located in the Gdańsk Deep and indicated statistically significant variability (p=0.0077) with the highest ΔN<sub>2</sub> observed in winter. Additionally, ΔN<sub>2</sub> was negatively correlated with nitrate (R<sup>2</sup>=0.5469) and oxygen (R<sup>2</sup>=0.6382), positively with phosphate (R<sup>2</sup>=0.4382) and ammonium (R<sup>2</sup>=0.2898), while no clear dependency was observed for nitrite (R<sup>2</sup>=0.0388).</p><p>The presented study was the first attempt performed on such a large scale in the Baltic Proper. It demonstrates a high potential in the use of supersaturation ratio for identification of the active sites for denitrification and anammox processes.</p><p> </p><p>The results were obtained within the framework of the statutory activities of the Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences and the research project: 2019/34/E/ST10/00217 funded by the Polish National Science Centre.</p>
Assessment of biogeochemical processes and transformations at the aquifer-estuary interface and m... more Assessment of biogeochemical processes and transformations at the aquifer-estuary interface and measurement of the chemical flux from submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) zones to coastal water bodies are critical for evaluating ecosystem service, geochemical budgets, and eutrophication status. The U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Delaware measured rates of SGD and concentrations of dissolved constituents, including nitrogen species, from recirculating ultrasonic and manual seepage meters, and in nearshore groundwater, on the southern shore of Guinea Creek, an estuarine tributary of Rehoboth Bay, in Millsboro, Delaware, in June, August, and October of 2015. A novel oxygen- and light-regulated seepage meter and a standard seepage meter were deployed as an adjacent pair and sampled at 0.5- to 2-hour intervals across the majority or entirety of single tidal cycles (8 to 12 hours). SGD rate was measured within an attached collection bag (0.5- to 2-hour intervals), or with a...
Groundwater data were collected in the spring and fall of 2008 from three sites representing diff... more Groundwater data were collected in the spring and fall of 2008 from three sites representing different geological settings and biogeochemical conditions within the surficial glacial aquifer of Long Island, NY. Investigations were designed to examine the extent to which average vadose zone thickness in contributing watersheds controlled biogeochemical conditions and processes, including dissolved oxygen concentration (DO), oxidation-reduction potential (Eh), dissolved organic carbon concentration (DOC), and microbial dinitrogen (N2) production. Greatest N2 production was observed at the south shore of Long Island, which is characterized by a thin vadose zone, low DO and Eh, and relatively high DOC. Limited N2 production occurred at the north shore of Long Island, which is characterized by a thick vadose zone, higher DO, higher Eh, and lower DOC. Our results show that vadose zone thickness exerts an important control on the extent of microbial N2 production in aquifers that lack a sig...
Abstract The CO2 system dynamics in coastal areas strongly controlled by river outflow is largely... more Abstract The CO2 system dynamics in coastal areas strongly controlled by river outflow is largely understudied. In this study, the influence of a large, continental, carbonate-rich river on the carbonate system was seasonally examined in the vicinity of the Vistula River Mouth. Three parameters describing the CO2 system were investigated: the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), total alkalinity (TA), and pH, together with salinity, temperature, oxygen concentration, calcium cation (Ca2+), particulate inorganic carbon (PIC), and inorganic carbon (IC) in sediments. TA varied from 1700 μmol kg−1 in the brackish water of the Gdansk Bay to 3475 μmol kg−1 in the Vistula River plume, highlighting the difference between the two end-members. Highest pCO2 was observed in October (855 μatm) and lowest in May (148 μatm). Oxygen concentration was negatively correlated to pCO2 in all seasons, suggesting that both were inversely controlled by the net ecosystem production (NEP). The pH seasonal variation was significant with a range of 0.72 unit. The calcium carbonate saturation (Ω) varied from 0.8 to 8.5 for calcite and from 0.5 to 8.5 for aragonite, both displaying Ω This study shows the importance of ecosystem metabolism and TA end-member variability (3138–3631 μmol kg−1), for controlling pH in the vicinity of the Vistula River Mouth. In addition, we present data on PIC , supporting possible deposition of inorganic forms of carbon to the sediments near the Vistula River Mouth.
Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) is an important yet poorly recognised pathway of material t... more Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) is an important yet poorly recognised pathway of material transport to the marine environment. This work reports on the results of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and loads in the groundwater seeping into the southern Baltic Sea. Most of the research was carried out in the Bay of Puck (2009–2010), while in 2013 * The study reports the results obtained within the framework of the following projects: the statutory activities of the Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences theme 2.2, research project No. 2012/05/N/ST10/02761 sponsored by the National Science Centre, and AMBER, the BONUS+ EU FP6 Project. The complete text of the paper is available at http://www.iopan.gda.pl/oceanologia/ 328 B. Szymczycha, A. Maciejewska, A. Winogradow, J. Pempkowiak the study was extended to include several other groundwater seepage impacted areas situated along the Polish coastline. The annual average con...
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