Journal article
Nitrate isotopes (δ 15N, δ 18O) in precipitation: best practices from an international coordinated research project
Isotopes in environmental and health studies, Vol.59(2), pp.127-141
05/2023
PMID: 36812294
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Source: InCites
Abstract
Stable isotope ratios of nitrogen and oxygen (15N/14N and 18O/16O) of nitrate (NO3–) are excellent tracers for developing systematic understanding of sources, conversions, and deposition of reactive atmospheric nitrogen (Nr) in the environment. Despite recent analytical advances, standardized sampling of NO3–) isotopes in precipitation is still lacking. To advance atmospheric studies on Nr species, we propose best-practice guidelines for accurate and precise sampling and analysis of NO3– isotopes in precipitation based on the experience obtained from an international research project coordinated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The precipitation sampling and preservation strategies yielded a good agreement between the NO3– concentrations measured at the laboratories of 16 countries and at the IAEA. Compared to conventional methods (e.g., bacterial denitrification), we confirmed the accurate performance of the lower cost Ti(III) reduction method for isotope analyses (15N and 18O) of NO3– in precipitation samples. These isotopic data depict different origins and oxidation pathways of inorganic nitrogen. This work emphasized the capability of NO3– isotopes to assess the origin and atmospheric oxidation of Nr and outlined a pathway to improve laboratory capability and expertise at a global scale. The incorporation of other isotopes like 17O in Nr is recommended in future studies.
Details
- Title
- Nitrate isotopes (δ 15N, δ 18O) in precipitation: best practices from an international coordinated research project
- Creators
- Germain Esquivel-Hernández - Lincoln UniversityIoannis Matiatos - Hellenic Centre for Marine ResearchRicardo Sánchez-Murillo - The University of Texas at ArlingtonYuliya Vystavna - International Atomic Energy AgencyRaffaella Balestrini - Water Research InstituteNaomi S. Wells - Southern Cross UniversityLucilena R. Monteiro - National Nuclear Energy CommissionSomporn Chantara - Chiang Mai UniversityWendell Walters - Brown UniversityLeonard I. Wassenaar - International Atomic Energy Agency
- Publication Details
- Isotopes in environmental and health studies, Vol.59(2), pp.127-141
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Grant note
- IAEA's Coordinated Research Project F32008 entitled "Global Monitoring of Nitrogen Isotopes in Atmospheric Waters "
- Identifiers
- 991013120911302368
- Copyright
- © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article