Effect of surface and groundwater interaction on nitrate reduction processes in a small alluvial fan catchment, western Japan

Mitsuyo Saito, Shin Ichi Onodera, Misa Sawano

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of our study is to demonstrate the effect of surface and groundwater interaction on nitrate attenuation in the coastal aquifer of a small alluvial fan catchment in southern Japan. NO3--N concentrations in the shallow groundwater decrease from the midstream area to the downstream area with groundwater flow. The inverse relationship between HCO3- -C and NO3--N suggests biochemical denitrification process in the downstream groundwater. This is also supported by relatively low ORP (Oxidation-Reduction-Potential) in the groundwater of the downstream area. Based on the results, it is suggested that mixing with domestic wastewater with high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leads to supply of organic carbon to the groundwater. From the seasonal variation of NO3--N attenuation, it is suggested that the effect of denitrification on the downstream groundwater is smaller in the high-flow season than that in the lowflow because of large groundwater velocity. However, estimated flux of NO3--N attenuation is larger in the high-flow period because of high groundwater discharge. These results revealed the important role of interaction between surface water and groundwater in the alluvial fan on nitrate reduction in the coastal area.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIAHS-AISH - Groundwater-Surface Water Interaction
Subtitle of host publicationProcess Understanding, Conceptualization and Modelling
Pages76-82
Number of pages7
Edition321
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
EventGroundwater-Surface Water Interaction: Process Understanding, Conceptualization and Modelling - Perugia, Italy
Duration: Jul 11 2007Jul 13 2007

Publication series

NameIAHS-AISH Publication
Number321
ISSN (Print)0144-7815

Other

OtherGroundwater-Surface Water Interaction: Process Understanding, Conceptualization and Modelling
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityPerugia
Period7/11/077/13/07

Keywords

  • Alluvial fan catchment
  • Nitrate reduction
  • River-groundwater interaction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)

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