Articles | Volume 20, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2759-2016
© Author(s) 2016. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2759-2016
© Author(s) 2016. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
12 Jul 2016
Research article |
| 12 Jul 2016
Redox controls on methane formation, migration and fate in shallow aquifers
Pauline Humez
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Applied Geochemistry Group, Department of Geoscience, University of
Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
Bernhard Mayer
Applied Geochemistry Group, Department of Geoscience, University of
Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
Michael Nightingale
Applied Geochemistry Group, Department of Geoscience, University of
Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
Veith Becker
Applied Geochemistry Group, Department of Geoscience, University of
Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
Andrew Kingston
Applied Geochemistry Group, Department of Geoscience, University of
Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
Stephen Taylor
Applied Geochemistry Group, Department of Geoscience, University of
Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
Guy Bayegnak
Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency (AEMERA), 9th Floor 9888 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 5C6, Canada
Romain Millot
BRGM, French Geological Survey, 3 avenue Claude Guillemin, BP 6009, 45060 Orléans CEDEX 2, France
Wolfram Kloppmann
BRGM, French Geological Survey, 3 avenue Claude Guillemin, BP 6009, 45060 Orléans CEDEX 2, France
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Florian Einsiedl, Anja Wunderlich, Mathieu Sebilo, Ömer K. Coskun, William D. Orsi, and Bernhard Mayer
Biogeosciences, 17, 5149–5161, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-5149-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-5149-2020, 2020
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Nitrate pollution of freshwaters and methane emissions into the atmosphere are crucial factors in deteriorating the quality of drinking water and in contributing to global climate change. Here, we report vertical concentration and stable isotope profiles of CH4, NO3-, NO2-, and NH4+ in the water column of Fohnsee (southern Bavaria, Germany) that may indicate linkages between nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation and the anaerobic oxidation of ammonium.
Related subject area
Subject: Biogeochemical processes | Techniques and Approaches: Instruments and observation techniques
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Hydrological connectivity controls dissolved organic carbon exports in a peatland-dominated boreal catchment stream
Technical note: Testing the effect of different pumping rates on pore-water sampling for ions, stable isotopes, and gas concentrations in the hyporheic zone
Geophysically based analysis of breakthrough curves and ion exchange processes in soil
Spatio-temporal controls of C–N–P dynamics across headwater catchments of a temperate agricultural region from public data analysis
Pesticide peak concentration reduction in a small vegetated treatment system controlled by chemograph shape
On the role of operational dynamics in biogeochemical efficiency of a soil aquifer treatment system
Hydrological tracers for assessing transport and dissipation processes of pesticides in a model constructed wetland system
Assessing inter-annual and seasonal patterns of DOC and DOM quality across a complex alpine watershed underlain by discontinuous permafrost in Yukon, Canada
A small-volume multiplexed pumping system for automated, high-frequency water chemistry measurements in volume-limited applications
The importance of small artificial water bodies as sources of methane emissions in Queensland, Australia
Nitrogen attenuation, dilution and recycling in the intertidal hyporheic zone of a subtropical estuary
Decoupling of dissolved organic matter patterns between stream and riparian groundwater in a headwater forested catchment
Non-destructive estimates of soil carbonic anhydrase activity and associated soil water oxygen isotope composition
Carbon isotopes of dissolved inorganic carbon reflect utilization of different carbon sources by microbial communities in two limestone aquifer assemblages
The influence of riparian evapotranspiration on stream hydrology and nitrogen retention in a subhumid Mediterranean catchment
Stream restoration and sewers impact sources and fluxes of water, carbon, and nutrients in urban watersheds
Interacting effects of climate and agriculture on fluvial DOM in temperate and subtropical catchments
Chemical and U–Sr isotopic variations in stream and source waters of the Strengbach watershed (Vosges mountains, France)
Spatiotemporal characterization of dissolved carbon for inland waters in semi-humid/semi-arid region, China
Impacts of tropical cyclones on hydrochemistry of a subtropical forest
Acid-base characteristics of the Grass Pond watershed in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, USA: interactions among soil, vegetation and surface waters
Catchment features controlling nitrogen dynamics in running waters above the tree line (central Italian Alps)
Dissolved organic carbon characteristics in surface ponds from contrasting wetland ecosystems: a case study in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China
Hydrochemical processes in lowland rivers: insights from in situ, high-resolution monitoring
Heterogeneity of soil carbon pools and fluxes in a channelized and a restored floodplain section (Thur River, Switzerland)
Gary Sterle, Julia Perdrial, Dustin W. Kincaid, Kristen L. Underwood, Donna M. Rizzo, Ijaz Ul Haq, Li Li, Byung Suk Lee, Thomas Adler, Hang Wen, Helena Middleton, and Adrian A. Harpold
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 611–630, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-611-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-611-2024, 2024
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We develop stream water chemistry to pair with the existing CAMELS (Catchment Attributes and Meteorology for Large-sample Studies) dataset. The newly developed dataset, termed CAMELS-Chem, includes common stream water chemistry constituents and wet deposition chemistry in 516 catchments. Examples show the value of CAMELS-Chem to trend and spatial analyses, as well as its limitations in sampling length and consistency.
Antonin Prijac, Laure Gandois, Pierre Taillardat, Marc-André Bourgault, Khawla Riahi, Alex Ponçot, Alain Tremblay, and Michelle Garneau
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3935–3955, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3935-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3935-2023, 2023
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The peatland dissolved organic carbon (DOC) lost through aquatic exports can offset a significant proportion of the ecosystem carbon balance. Hence, we propose a new approach to better estimate the DOC exports based on the specific contribution of a boreal peatland (Canada) during periods of high flow. In addition, we studied the relations between DOC concentrations and stream discharge in order to better understand the DOC export mechanisms under contrasted hydrometeorological conditions.
Tamara Michaelis, Anja Wunderlich, Thomas Baumann, Juergen Geist, and Florian Einsiedl
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3769–3782, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3769-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3769-2023, 2023
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Riverbeds are densely populated with microorganisms which catalyze ecologically relevant processes. To study this complex zone, we tested pore-water extraction with microfilter tubes. The method was found to be suitable for the measurement of dissolved solutes but less so for gases. The pumping rate during sample extraction strongly influenced gas analyses in the samples. The combination with an optical oxygen sensor and a temperature monitoring system was found to be highly valuable.
Shany Ben Moshe, Pauline Kessouri, Dana Erlich, and Alex Furman
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3041–3052, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3041-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3041-2021, 2021
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A non-invasive geophysical method (spectral induced polarization, SIP) was used to characterize and predict solute transport patterns in soil columns. Our results show that SIP-based breakthrough curve (BTC) analysis is superior over conventional outflow-based analysis as it can characterize system heterogeneity and is superior over electrical-conductivity-based analysis as it is capable of distinguishing between the adsorption end-members without the need for sampling.
Stella Guillemot, Ophelie Fovet, Chantal Gascuel-Odoux, Gérard Gruau, Antoine Casquin, Florence Curie, Camille Minaudo, Laurent Strohmenger, and Florentina Moatar
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2491–2511, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2491-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2491-2021, 2021
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This study investigates the drivers of spatial variations in stream water quality in poorly studied headwater catchments and includes multiple elements involved in major water quality issues, such as eutrophication. We used a regional public dataset of monthly stream water concentrations monitored for 10 years over 185 agricultural catchments. We found a spatial and seasonal opposition between carbon and nitrogen concentrations, while phosphorus concentrations showed another spatial pattern.
Jan Greiwe, Oliver Olsson, Klaus Kümmerer, and Jens Lange
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 497–509, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-497-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-497-2021, 2021
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We investigated the linkage between contaminant mobilization in catchments and their mitigation in vegetated treatment systems (VTSs). We identified different patterns in chemographs recorded at the inlet of a VTS, indicating distinct mobilization patterns that were associated with similar source areas, transport pathways, and discharge dynamics. Peak concentration reduction in the VTS was strongest for sharp-peaked chemographs, suggesting that dispersion was the principle mitigation process.
Shany Ben Moshe, Noam Weisbrod, Felix Barquero, Jana Sallwey, Ofri Orgad, and Alex Furman
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 417–426, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-417-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-417-2020, 2020
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In soil aquifer treatment (a soil-based treatment for wastewater), infiltration ponds are operated in flooding and drying cycles, and the reclaimed water may be used for irrigation. We tested the effect of hydraulic operation on the biogeochemical system via long-column experiments. We found that longer drying periods not only were beneficial for the upper area of the profile but also increased the volume of the system that maintained oxidizing conditions.
Elena Fernández-Pascual, Marcus Bork, Birte Hensen, and Jens Lange
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 41–60, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-41-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-41-2020, 2020
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In this study we explore the use of hydrological tracers coupled with high vertical resolution sampling and monitoring to evaluate temporal and spatial mechanisms that dominate transport and dissipation of pesticides in a laboratory-scale constructed wetland. Our results reveal different transport vectors and dissipation pathways of solutes over time and space that are influenced by the constructional design, the presence of plants and the alternation of different hydrological conditions.
Nadine J. Shatilla and Sean K. Carey
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 3571–3591, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3571-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3571-2019, 2019
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High-latitude permafrost environments are changing rapidly due impacts and feedbacks associated with climate warming. We used streamflow and DOC concentrations as well as export estimates and optical indices to better understand how different surface water bodies transport and process dissolved material over multiple seasons and years. Information on DOM quality provides insight into organic material sources and possible composition changes related to higher summer rainfall in summer/fall.
Bryan M. Maxwell, François Birgand, Brad Smith, and Kyle Aveni-Deforge
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 5615–5628, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5615-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5615-2018, 2018
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A multiplexed pumping system (MPS) for obtaining continuous water quality data at multiple locations was previously reported. The existing design was not practical for sampling water in volume-limited applications such as small mesocosms or porewater sampling. This paper discusses the design and performance of a small-volume MPS and illustrates two applications, showing spatial variability in replicate in situ mesocosms and short-circuiting in a woodchip bioreactor using porewater sampling.
Alistair Grinham, Simon Albert, Nathaniel Deering, Matthew Dunbabin, David Bastviken, Bradford Sherman, Catherine E. Lovelock, and Christopher D. Evans
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 5281–5298, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5281-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5281-2018, 2018
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Artificial water bodies are a major source of methane and an important contributor to flooded land greenhouse gas emissions. Past studies focussed on large water supply or hydropower reservoirs with small artificial water bodies (ponds) almost completely ignored. This regional study demonstrated ponds accounted for one-third of flooded land surface area and emitted over 1.6 million t CO2 eq. yr−1 (10 % of land use sector emissions). Ponds should be included in regional GHG inventories.
Sébastien Lamontagne, Frédéric Cosme, Andrew Minard, and Andrew Holloway
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 4083–4096, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-4083-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-4083-2018, 2018
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The dual nitrate isotope technique is one of the most commonly used approaches to study the origin and fate of N introduced in aquifers. In this study, we first demonstrate a large attenuation of groundwater N at a former industrial site, especially at the interface between surface and groundwater. We also provide evidence for a switch in the oxygen isotopic signature of groundwater due to this extensive N attenuation. This could be used to better quantify N attenuation processes in aquifers.
Susana Bernal, Anna Lupon, Núria Catalán, Sara Castelar, and Eugènia Martí
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1897–1910, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1897-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1897-2018, 2018
Sam P. Jones, Jérôme Ogée, Joana Sauze, Steven Wohl, Noelia Saavedra, Noelia Fernández-Prado, Juliette Maire, Thomas Launois, Alexandre Bosc, and Lisa Wingate
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 6363–6377, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-6363-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-6363-2017, 2017
Martin E. Nowak, Valérie F. Schwab, Cassandre S. Lazar, Thomas Behrendt, Bernd Kohlhepp, Kai Uwe Totsche, Kirsten Küsel, and Susan E. Trumbore
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 4283–4300, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4283-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4283-2017, 2017
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In the present study we combined measurements of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) isotopes with a set of different geochemical and microbiological methods in order to get a comprehensive view of biogeochemical cycling and groundwater flow in two limestone aquifer assemblages. This allowed us to understand interactions and feedbacks between microbial communities, their carbon sources, and water chemistry.
Anna Lupon, Susana Bernal, Sílvia Poblador, Eugènia Martí, and Francesc Sabater
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 3831–3842, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-3831-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-3831-2016, 2016
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The influence of riparian evapotranspiration (ET) on stream hydrology and chemistry is poorly understood. We investigated temporal changes in riparian ET, stream discharge and nutrient chemistry along a Mediterranean catchment. Despite being a small component of annual water budgets (4.5 %), our results highlight that riparian ET drives stream and groundwater hydrology in Mediterranean catchments and, further, question the potential of the riparian zone as a natural filter of nitrogen loads.
Michael J. Pennino, Sujay S. Kaushal, Paul M. Mayer, Ryan M. Utz, and Curtis A. Cooper
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 3419–3439, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-3419-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-3419-2016, 2016
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The goal of this study was to compare how differences in urban stream restoration and sanitary infrastructure affect sources and fluxes of water and nutrients. Stream restoration reduced peak discharge and lowered nutrient export compared to unrestored streams, but was similar to a stream with upland stormwater management. The primary source of nitrate at all sites was leaky sanitary sewers, suggesting that combining stream restoration with sanitary pipe repairs may help reduce nutrient loads.
D. Graeber, G. Goyenola, M. Meerhoff, E. Zwirnmann, N. B. Ovesen, M. Glendell, J. Gelbrecht, F. Teixeira de Mello, I. González-Bergonzoni, E. Jeppesen, and B. Kronvang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 2377–2394, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-2377-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-2377-2015, 2015
M. C. Pierret, P. Stille, J. Prunier, D. Viville, and F. Chabaux
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 3969–3985, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-3969-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-3969-2014, 2014
K. S. Song, S. Y. Zang, Y. Zhao, L. Li, J. Du, N. N. Zhang, X. D. Wang, T. T. Shao, Y. Guan, and L. Liu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 4269–4281, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4269-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4269-2013, 2013
C. T. Chang, S. P. Hamburg, J. L. Hwong, N. H. Lin, M. L. Hsueh, M. C. Chen, and T. C. Lin
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 3815–3826, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-3815-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-3815-2013, 2013
K. M. McEathron, M. J. Mitchell, and L. Zhang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 2557–2568, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-2557-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-2557-2013, 2013
R. Balestrini, C. Arese, M. Freppaz, and A. Buffagni
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 989–1001, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-989-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-989-2013, 2013
L. L. Wang, C. C. Song, and G. S. Yang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 371–378, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-371-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-371-2013, 2013
A. J. Wade, E. J. Palmer-Felgate, S. J. Halliday, R. A. Skeffington, M. Loewenthal, H. P. Jarvie, M. J. Bowes, G. M. Greenway, S. J. Haswell, I. M. Bell, E. Joly, A. Fallatah, C. Neal, R. J. Williams, E. Gozzard, and J. R. Newman
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 4323–4342, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-4323-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-4323-2012, 2012
E. Samaritani, J. Shrestha, B. Fournier, E. Frossard, F. Gillet, C. Guenat, P. A. Niklaus, N. Pasquale, K. Tockner, E. A. D. Mitchell, and J. Luster
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 1757–1769, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-1757-2011, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-1757-2011, 2011
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Short summary
Development of unconventional energy resources if often associated with public concerns regarding potential contamination of shallow groundwater due to methane leakage. We combined chemical and isotopic analyses of gas and water samples obtained from shallow aquifers in Alberta (Canada) to assess baseline methane sources and found that > 67 % of the samples contained biogenic methane formed in situ in the aquifers. There was no evidence of deep thermogenic methane migration into shallow aquifers.
Development of unconventional energy resources if often associated with public concerns...
