Articles | Volume 22, issue 19
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-5535-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-5535-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
14 Oct 2025
Research article |
| 14 Oct 2025
| 14 Oct 2025
N transformations in nitrate-rich groundwaters: combined isotope and microbial approach
Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
Mikk Espenberg
Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
Reinhard Well
Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture, Braunschweig, Germany
Michał Bucha
Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
Marta Jakubiak
Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
Ülo Mander
Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
Mariusz-Orion Jędrysek
Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
Dominika Lewicka-Szczebak
Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
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Short summary
This study investigates nitrogen cycling in groundwater from an agricultural area using organic fertilizer. The research combines isotope and microbial studies to track transformations. High-nitrate samples were incubated with a low addition of 15N tracer. Results showed a shift from archaeal nitrification to bacterial denitrification under low oxygen with glucose, confirmed by isotope and microbial analyses. The findings offer insights for improving water quality and pollution management.
This study investigates nitrogen cycling in groundwater from an agricultural area using organic...
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