BioOne.org will be down briefly for maintenance on 17 December 2024 between 18:00-22:00 Pacific Time US. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 August 2006 Trends in Nitrate Concentrations and Determination of its Origin Using Stable Isotopes (18O and 15N) in Groundwater of the Western Central Valley, Costa Rica
Jenny Reynolds-Vargas, Julio Fraile-Merino, Ricardo Hirata
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate long-term trends in nitrate concentrations and to try to identify the origin of nitrate using stable isotopes (15NNO3 and 18ONO3) in the aquifers of the western Central Valley, Costa Rica, where more than 1 million people depend on groundwater to satisfy their daily needs. Data from 20 sites periodically sampled for 4 to 17 years indicate an increasing trend in nitrate concentrations at five sites, which in a period ranging from 10 to 40 years, will exceed recommended maximum concentrations. Results of isotopic analysis indicate a correspondence between land use patterns and the isotopic signature of nitrate in groundwater and suggest that urbanization processes without adequate waste disposal systems, followed by coffee fertilization practices, are threatening water quality in the region. We conclude that groundwater management in this area is not sustainable, and that land use substitution processes from agricultural activity to residential occupation that do not have proper sewage disposal systems may cause a significant increment in the nitrate contaminant load.

Jenny Reynolds-Vargas, Julio Fraile-Merino, and Ricardo Hirata "Trends in Nitrate Concentrations and Determination of its Origin Using Stable Isotopes (18O and 15N) in Groundwater of the Western Central Valley, Costa Rica," AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment 35(5), 229-236, (1 August 2006). https://doi.org/10.1579/05-R-046R1.1
Received: 8 May 2005; Accepted: 1 April 2006; Published: 1 August 2006
JOURNAL ARTICLE
8 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top