Source apportionment of nitrate in the Pearl River Estuary using δ15N and δ18O values and isotope mixing model

The mitigation of eutrophication in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) has encountered numerous challenges in regards to source control. Herein, the isotope mixing model (SIAR) was used to quantify the primary nitrate sources in the PRE. The results showed that the nitrate levels were significantly higher in the high-flow season than in the low-flow season. Meanwhile, we found the most important nitrate sources were manure and sewage during the high-flow season, with a contribution ratio of 47 % in the low salt area (LSA) and 29 % in the high salt area (HSA). During the low-flow season, the primary nitrate sources were identified as reduced nitrogen fertilizer in the LSA and manure and sewage in the HSA, which accounted for 52 % and 44 %, respectively. Furthermore, we also suggest that a feasible measure might be to control the pollution caused in the PRE by manure and sewage as well as reduced nitrogen fertilizer.

Automated summary

The isotope mixing model (SIAR) was used to identify the primary nitrate sources in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), showing that nitrate levels were higher in the high-flow season. Manure and sewage were the main sources of nitrate during the high-flow season, while reduced nitrogen fertilizer was another important source in the low-flow season. Controlling pollution from manure, sewage, and reduced nitrogen fertilizer can be a feasible measure to mitigate eutrophication in the PRE.