The IAEA is launching a new Coordinated Research Project (CRP) to address the problem of the continuously growing impact of nitrate pollution in freshwater ecosystems around the globe. The CRP, entitled “Improving understanding of nitrate sources in connected river and groundwater systems through linking nitrate isotopes and contaminants of emerging concern”, will be conducted over 4 years.
In
this CRP, isotopic techniques will be used in conjunction with compounds of
emerging concern (CECs) that are ideal chemical markers of fecal contamination
(sewage or manure) as they are ubiquitous in the source, persistent and present
at detectable concentrations in contaminated environmental samples, but not in
clean water. The CRP will put forward this innovative approach of combining
stable isotopes of nitrate with CECs in surface and groundwater. Case studies
as part of this CRP will provide guidelines to water managers on the use of
isotope tools to assess nitrate contamination and sources in member states.
To read
more please visit:
Source: IAEA