Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Heongak Kwon, Changdae Jo, Suyeon Choi
Summary: This study compared and evaluated the load changes following the revision of land-based diffuse pollutant unit load values. The revised unit load reduced the loads by an average of 56.8%, with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) showing the highest reduction rate. The study also examined the discharge trends under different scenarios and provided useful information for the management of present and future diffuse pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dongyang Ren, Bernard Engel, Mitchell R. Tuinstra
Summary: The changes in field crop traits due to genetic and agronomic improvements have significant implications for regional water quantity and quality processes. This study conducted a case study in the St. Joseph River Watershed in the U.S. Corn Belt, analyzing the sensitivities of crop traits to various water and nutrient-related factors. The results highlight the importance of considering crop improvements in long-term studies of hydrology and nutrient cycles in agricultural watersheds.
Article
Ecology
Ffion Atkins, Pippin M. L. Anderson, Candice Bouland
Summary: Urban watersheds receive excessive nitrogen loads and the capacity to remove this excess nitrogen depends on the functioning of riparian and wetland ecosystems. This study provides a preliminary quantification of nitrogen flux in a small urban watershed and highlights the important role of wetland systems in removing nitrogen.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joo-Hyon Kang, Mi-Hyun Park, Simon J. Ha, Michael K. Stenstrom
Summary: An empirical model was used to evaluate stormwater treatment strategies in the upper Ballona Creek Watershed in Los Angeles, showing that focusing on transportation landuse for stormwater treatment can achieve the water quality goal of total zinc at approximately 75% less cost.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Hao Guo, Yong Li, Xu Wang, Hongyan Ruan, Toyin Peter Abegunrin, Lanchao Wei, Zhigang Huang, Kayode Steven Are, Gabriel Oladele Awe
Summary: The study evaluated the characteristics of nitrogen output during rainfall events in different growth stages of sugarcane in a southern tropical watershed in China. The results showed that total dissolved nitrogen and nitrate-nitrogen were negatively correlated with runoff. Therefore, reducing nitrogen fertilizer application and implementing post-rain fertilization can effectively reduce nitrogen inflow into rivers and prevent eutrophication in sugarcane areas. Multiple years of studies are recommended to verify the possible impacts of weather conditions.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Qiyu Xu, Limei Zhai, Xinru Liu, Xinzhong Du, Hongbin Liu
Summary: In this study, the variation of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) load in different seasons in the Fengyu River watershed in Southwest China from 2011 to 2016 was comprehensively investigated using the LOADEST model and nonparametric change-point analysis. The results showed that the wet season is the peak period for DON loss, with an average cumulative load of 14.1 tons, accounting for 72.5% of the annual load. Baseflow was identified as the main pathway for DON export, accounting for about 74.4% of the stream export load. Furthermore, the threshold streamflow for abrupt changes in DON concentration was found to be 2.03 m3/s to 2.15 m3/s. When the streamflow is below 2.15 m3/s, the concentration of riverine DON increases rapidly, posing a significant threat to human drinking water safety. This study provides a scientific basis for regulating DON at the watershed scale and protecting water quality in drinking water source areas.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yangjun Chen, Min Chen
Summary: The primary nitrite maximum (PNM) is a characteristic feature of the oceanic nitrogen cycle, but its characterization worldwide is lacking. Using the natural abundance of NO2- isotopes and a geochemical model, this study reveals that ammonia oxidation dominates the formation of PNM in the Arctic and subarctic waters, while the oxidation of NO2- is the main sink. The oxidation of NO2- plays a more important role in Arctic and subarctic waters compared to low- and mid-latitude waters. The residence time of NO2- in the PNM suggests a more dynamic NO2- cycle in the Arctic Ocean ecosystem. These findings provide insights into the nitrogen cycle dynamics in the upper Arctic Ocean ecosystem.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Gisselle A. Mejia, Peter M. Groffman, Alisen E. Downey, Elizabeth M. Cook, Sanpisa Sritrairat, Richard Karty, Matthew Palmer, Timon McPhearson
Summary: This study examined the carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in afforestation sites in New York City's parks. The results showed that successful afforestation sites had higher rates of carbon and nitrogen cycling, with no significant differences between low and high diversity treatments. Low success sites were characterized by disturbed soil profiles and human-derived debris.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoxuan Su, Li Cui, Yijia Tang, Teng Wen, Kai Yang, Yingmu Wang, Jinbo Zhang, Guibing Zhu, Xiaoru Yang, Lijun Hou, Yong-Guan Zhu
Summary: Global estuarine ecosystems are facing severe nitrogen pollution and ocean acidification simultaneously. This study found that acidification decreases fungal denitrification activity and N2O emissions in sediment, and affects the energy generation strategy in fungi-mediated nitrogen cycle. This research provides important insights into acidifying aquatic ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrew Oberhelman, Eric W. Peterson
Summary: The importance of stormflow to chloride transport varied seasonally, with winter and spring storms contributing the majority of total chloride load, while summer and fall storm events accounted for a smaller proportion. Additionally, a significant portion of chloride export occurred during baseflow periods, likely due to accumulation of chloride related to road salt and KCl fertilizer in groundwater.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jae Hong Park, Seung Young Oh, Jichul Ryu, Jae Kwan Lee, Dong Seok Shin
Summary: The study developed two methods, Load Conversion Method (LCM) and Multi-regression Equation Method (MREM), to estimate discharge load considering rainfall changes. LCM showed a more precise result and may be useful as a tool for estimating discharge load in the TMDL process, according to the application results of this study.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
April B. Leytem, Paula Williams, Shan Zuidema, Audrey Martinez, Yen Leng Chong, Alyssa Vincent, Aaron Vincent, Daniel Cronan, Andrew Kliskey, J. D. Wulfhorst, Lilian Alessa, David Bjorneberg
Summary: Efficient recycling of manure nutrients through local cropping systems is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of the dairy industry. However, manure alone cannot meet crop nitrogen needs, necessitating the use of synthetic fertilizer. Transportation of manure at least 12.9 km and replacing synthetic fertilizer phosphorus on 96% of cropland is necessary to balance phosphorus with crop production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Richard Devereux, Yongshan Wan, Jennifer L. Rackley, Veronica Fasselt, Deborah N. Vivian
Summary: This study in urban coastal watersheds of northwest Florida, USA, demonstrated the influence of land use and stormwater runoff on nitrogen sources and transport in urban waterways. The study highlighted the importance of nitrogen sourcing approaches in understanding nitrogen pollution in urban settings.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xue Zhao, Yi Zheng, Shiyao Hu, Wenhui Qiu, Jiping Jiang, Chuanzi Gao, Jianzhi Xiong, Haiyan Lu, Feng Quan
Summary: This study investigated urban water pollution by parabens from a watershed perspective in China. Six parabens and five paraben metabolites were frequently detected in water and sediment samples, with the overall pollution level considered to be intermediate globally. The spatial distribution of chemical concentrations along the river is influenced by multiple factors, with wastewater treatment plants appearing to be a major factor.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jichul Ryu, Jiyeon Choi, Jinsun Kim, Jaehong Park, Hasun Hwang, Dong Seok Shin, Jaekwan Lee
Summary: This study aimed to improve the regression equations for the calculation of non-point source pollution load reduction in South Korea, focusing on cumulative rainfall ratio, cumulative pollutant load ratio, and pollutant load reduction efficiency. The study utilized updated rainfall data and pollution load monitoring data, as well as inflow and outflow monitoring data from pilot projects and research. The updated regression equations were formulated to enhance the accuracy of the NPS pollution load reduction calculation.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Gisselle A. Mejia, Peter M. Groffman, Alisen E. Downey, Elizabeth M. Cook, Sanpisa Sritrairat, Richard Karty, Matthew Palmer, Timon McPhearson
Summary: This study examined the carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in afforestation sites in New York City's parks. The results showed that successful afforestation sites had higher rates of carbon and nitrogen cycling, with no significant differences between low and high diversity treatments. Low success sites were characterized by disturbed soil profiles and human-derived debris.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Soil Science
Xiangyin Ni, Shu Liao, Fuzhong Wu, Peter M. Groffman
Summary: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of elevated and reduced soil moisture on microbial biomass C (MBC) and microbial biomass N (MBN) in forest soils across dry and wet regions. It was found that the influence of altered soil moisture on MBC and MBN concentrations was greater in dry regions. The intensity of manipulation and length of experimental period were significant factors affecting the response of microbial biomass to altered moisture.
SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Paul M. Mayer, Michael J. Pennino, Tammy A. Newcomer-Johnson, Sujay S. Kaushal
Summary: This study investigated the long-term effects of stream restoration on nitrogen management in an urban stream. The results showed that after restoration, there was a significant decrease in nitrate concentrations in both groundwater and surface water. However, the hydrologic flashiness index returned to pre-restoration levels after a certain period of time. The study also found that some engineered features were better at creating optimal conditions for nitrogen retention, but some features eroded and failed post restoration, reducing the effectiveness of stream restoration.
Article
Limnology
Sujay S. Kaushal, Paul M. Mayer, Gene E. Likens, Jenna E. Reimer, Carly M. Maas, Megan A. Rippy, Stanley B. Grant, Ian Hart, Ryan M. Utz, Ruth R. Shatkay, Barret M. Wessel, Christine E. Maietta, Michael L. Pace, Shuiwang Duan, Walter L. Boger, Alexis M. Yaculak, Joseph G. Galella, Kelsey L. Wood, Carol J. Morel, William Nguyen, Shane Elizabeth C. Querubin, Rebecca A. Sukert, Anna Lowien, Alyssa Wellman Houde, Anais Roussel, Andrew J. Houston, Ari Cacopardo, Cristy Ho, Haley Talbot-Wendlandt, Jacob M. Widmer, Jairus Slagle, James A. Bader, Jeng Hann Chong, Jenna Wollney, Jordan Kim, Lauren Shepherd, Matthew T. Wilfong, Megan Houlihan, Nathan Sedghi, Rebecca Butcher, Sona Chaudhary, William D. Becker
Summary: The severity and recovery chances of freshwater salinization syndrome (FSS) are influenced by various factors, including human activities, geology, flowpaths, climate, and time. These factors drive the spread of FSS across ecosystems in different stages, leading to failures in systems-level functions.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ryan Utz, Samantha Bidlack, Burch Fisher, Sujay Kaushal
Summary: The Freshwater Salinization Syndrome (FSS) is a global environmental concern, and a study in the northeastern United States has revealed regional variations in the severity of FSS and the impact of urbanization on its advancement.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Megan L. Fork, Kristina G. Hopkins, Jessica Chappell, Robert Hawley, Sujay S. Kaushal, Brian Murphy, Blanca Rios-Touma, Allison H. Roy
Summary: The effects of urbanization on stream ecology are complex and pose challenges due to conflicting interests. The Symposium on Urbanization and Stream Ecology in 2020 brought together experts from various fields to discuss the state of the science and find multidisciplinary solutions through case studies.
FRESHWATER SCIENCE
(2022)
Correction
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shantanu V. Bhide, Stanley B. Grant, Emily A. Parker, Megan A. Rippy, Adil N. Godrej, Sujay Kaushal, Greg Prelewicz, Niffy Saji, Shannon Curtis, Peter Vikesland, Ayella Maile-Moskowitz, Marc Edwards, Kathryn G. Lopez, Thomas A. Birkland, Todd Schenk
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Stanley B. Grant, Megan A. Rippy, Thomas A. Birkland, Todd Schenk, Kristin Rowles, Shalini Misra, Payam Aminpour, Sujay Kaushal, Peter Vikesland, Emily Berglund, Jesus D. Gomez-Velez, Erin R. Hotchkiss, Gabriel Perez, Harry X. Zhang, Kingston Armstrong, Shantanu V. Bhide, Lauren Krauss, Carly Maas, Kent Mendoza, Caitlin Shipman, Yadong Zhang, Yinman Zhong
Summary: Freshwater salinization is a growing issue globally, affecting ecosystems and human water supplies. This article proposes using a social-ecological systems framework to understand and manage this issue, using rising sodium concentrations in the Occoquan Reservoir in Northern Virginia as a case study to explore impacts, causes, solutions, and research needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nirmela Govinda, Peter M. Groffman, Sarah E. Durand, Chester B. Zarnoch, Willis Elkins
Summary: This study found that constructed salt marsh wetlands can support denitrification potential equivalent to rates of natural marshes. There were significant positive correlations between microbial biomass C and N content and organic matter content and denitrification potential.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Noortje H. Grijseels, Elizaveta Litvak, Meghan L. Avolio, Anika R. Bratt, Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Peter M. Groffman, Sharon J. Hall, Sarah E. Hobbie, Susannah B. Lerman, Jennifer L. Morse, Desiree L. Narango, Christopher Neill, Jarlath O'Neil-Dunne, Josep Padulles Cubino, Tara L. E. Trammell, Diane E. Pataki
Summary: This study measured the evapotranspiration (ET) of residential lawns in six metropolitan areas in the United States and found that there is high uncertainty in the spatial and temporal variability of lawn ET across large scales. The study also showed that lawn management practices did not significantly affect ET, but smaller lawn areas in water-conserving and wildlife-friendly yards resulted in lower ET.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Peter M. Groffman, A. Marissa Matsler, Zbigniew J. Grabowski
Summary: The concept of green infrastructure (GI) has attracted significant interest and innovation in addressing complex environmental challenges, such as coastal resilience and control of combined sewer overflows (CSOs). GI offers cost savings compared to traditional gray infrastructure and provides multiple benefits, including biodiversity, aesthetics, and carbon sequestration. However, GI lacks detailed design and reliability specifications, hindering its widespread adoption. This paper reviews the potential applications of GI in modern environmental science and emphasizes the need to address reliability and associated uncertainties to fully realize its potential.
AGRICULTURAL AND RESOURCE ECONOMICS REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Linnea Saby, R. Seth Herbst, Jonathan L. Goodall, Jacob D. Nelson, Teresa B. Culver, Emma Stephens, Caroline M. Marquis, Lawrence E. Band
Summary: Nonpoint source (NPS) water quality trading is a market-based approach to improving water quality, but it can increase localized pollutant loadings, especially in rural areas. Virginia's NPS WQT program has enabled thousands of transactions, but its impacts on urban water quality have not been thoroughly assessed. Through simulation, we found that NPS WQT increased phosphorus loading in an urban catchment, especially during years with greater rainfall. In a policy alternative where buyers and sellers are collocated in the catchment, the phosphorus increase from development was completely offset, indicating undervaluation of credits for urban mitigation practices.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Ruoyu Zhang, Lawrence E. Band, Peter M. Groffman
Summary: Urban watersheds can experience ecosystem degradation, but can be restored through terrestrial and aquatic low impact development practices. Finding the optimal balance between green and grey infrastructure is crucial for achieving ecohydrological behavior similar to pre-urbanization conditions. Urban reforestation has been found to be the most effective in reducing stormflow and nutrient export, while bioswales and permeable pavement can unexpectedly increase in-stream nitrate loads.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sujay S. Kaushal, Gene E. Likens, Paul M. Mayer, Ruth R. Shatkay, Sydney A. Shelton, Stanley B. Grant, Ryan M. Utz, Alexis M. Yaculak, Carly M. Maas, Jenna E. Reimer, Shantanu V. Bhide, Joseph T. Malin, Megan A. Rippy
Summary: Increasing salt production and use is causing freshwater salinization syndrome, affecting biophysical systems globally. Anthropogenic activities have accelerated salt fluxes, creating an anthropogenic salt cycle. Salt accumulates in rivers and watersheds, impacting freshwater supplies, food and energy production, air quality, human health, and infrastructure. It is important to reduce salinization before exceeding planetary boundaries.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter M. Groffman, Amanda K. Suchy, Dexter H. Locke, Robert J. Johnston, David A. Newburn, Arthur J. Gold, Lawrence E. Band, Jonathan Duncan, J. Morgan Grove, Jenny Kao-Kniffin, Hallee Meltzer, Tom Ndebele, Jarlath O'Neil-Dunne, Colin Polsky, Grant L. Thompson, Haoluan Wang, Ewa Zawojska
Summary: Residential landscapes are crucial for the sustainability of large areas in the US, but their balance is complicated by spatial and temporal variations across multiple domains. A multidisciplinary study in Baltimore, MD, USA, revealed variations in the vulnerability of individual parcels to cause environmental damage and in the practices of managers. Improvement strategies depend on whether hotspots are caused by homeowners' choices or the characteristics of parcels and neighborhoods.
