Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Nitrogen retention in rivers: model development and application to watersheds in the northeastern U.S.A.

  • Chapter
The Nitrogen Cycle at Regional to Global Scales

Abstract

A regression model (RivR-N) was developed that predicts the proportion of N removed from streams and reservoirs as an inverse function of the water displacement time of the water body (ratio of water body depth to water time of travel). When applied to 16 drainage networks in the eastern U.S., the RivR-N model predicted that 37% to 76% of N input to these rivers is removed during transport through the river networks. Approximately half of that is removed in 1st through 4th order streams which account for 90% of the total stream length. The other half is removed in 5th order and higher rivers which account for only about 10% of the total stream length. Most N removed in these higher orders is predicted to originate from watershed loading to small and intermediate sized streams. The proportion of N removed from all streams in the watersheds (37–76%) is considerably higher than the proportion of N input to an individual reach that is removed in that reach (generally <20%) because of the cumulative effect of continued nitrogen removal along the entire flow path in downstream reaches. This generally has not been recognized in previous studies, but is critical to an evaluation of the total amount of N removed within a river network. At the river network scale, reservoirs were predicted to have a minimal effect on N removal. A fairly modest decrease (<10 percentage points) in the N removed at the river network scale was predicted when a third of the direct watershed loading was to the two highest orders compared to a uniform loading.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Alexander RB, Johnes PJ, Boyer EA and Smith RA (2002) A comparison of methods for estimating the riverine export of nitrogen from large watersheds. Biogeochemistry 57 /58: 295–339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alexander RB, Brakebill JW, Brew RE, and Smith RA (1999) ERF1 — Enhanced River Reach File 1.2, U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 99–457. Reston, Virginia

    Google Scholar 

  • Alexander RB, Smith RA and Schwarz GE (2000) Effect of stream channel size on the delivery of nitrogen to the Gulf of Mexico. Nature 403: 758–761

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen JM (1977) Rates of denitrification of undisturbed sediment for six lakes as a function of nitrate concentration, oxygen, and temperature. Arch. Hydrobiol. 80: 147–159

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ayers JC (1970) Lake Michigan environmental survey. University of Michigan, Great Lakes Research Division Special Report 49

    Google Scholar 

  • Billen G, Lancelot C and Meybeck M (1991) N, P and Si retention along the aquatic continuum from land to ocean. In: Mantoura RFC, Martin JM and Wollast R (Eds) Ocean Margin Processes in Global Change (pp 19–44 ). Dahlem Workshop Reports, Wiley

    Google Scholar 

  • Billen G, Somville M, De Becker E and Servais P (1985) A nitrogen budget of the Scheldt hydrographical basin. Netherlands Journal of Sea Research 19 (3/4): 223–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Billen G, Gamier J and Meybeck M (1998) Les sels nutritifs: l’ouverture des cycles. In: Meybeck, de Marsily and Fustec (Eds) “La Seine en son bassin: fonctionnement écologique l’un système fluvial anthropisé”. Elsevier

    Google Scholar 

  • Billen G and Gamier J (1999) Nitrogen transfers through the Seine drainage network: a budget based on the application of the “Riverstrahler” model. Hydrobiologia 410: 139–150

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boyer EW, Goodale CL, Jaworski NA and Howarth RW (2002) Anthropogenic nitrogen sources and relationships to riverine nitrogen export in the northeastern U.S.A. Biochemistry 57 /58: 137–169

    Google Scholar 

  • Burns DA (1998) Retention of NO3 in an upland stream environment: A mass balance approach. Biogeochemistry 40: 73–96

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Calderoni A, Mosello R and Tartari G (1978) P, N and Si budget in Lago Mergozzo. Verh. Int. Verein. Limnol. 20: 1033–1037

    Google Scholar 

  • Chesterikoff A, Garban B, Billen G and Poulin M (1992) Inorganic nitrogen dynamics in the River Seine downstream from Paris ( France ). Biogeochemistry 17: 147–164

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen PB, Nielsen LP, Sorensen J and Revsbech NP (1990) Denitrification in nitrate-rich streams: Diurnal and seasonal variation related to benthic oxygen metabolism. Limnology Oceanography 35 (3): 640–651

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Christensen PB and Sorensen J (1988) Denitrification in sediment of lowland streams: Regional and seasonal variation in Gelbaek and Rabis Baek, Denmark. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 53: 335–344

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cole JJ, Peierls BL, Caraco NF and Pace ML (1993) Nitrogen loading of rivers as a human-driven process. In: McDonnel MJ (Ed) Humans as Components of Ecosystems (pp 141157 ). Springer-Verlag, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooke JG and White RE (1987) The effect of nitrate in stream water on the relationship between denitrification and nitrification in a stream-sediment microcosm. Freshwater Biology 18: 213–226

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cooper AB and Cooke JG (1984) Nitrate loss and transformation in 2 vegetated headwater streams. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 18: 441–450

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dillon PJ and Molot LA (1990) The role of ammonium and nitrate retention in the acidification of lakes and forested catchment. Biogeochem. 11: 23–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duan N (1983) Smearing estimate: A nonparametric retransformation method. J. Am. Stat. Assoc. 78: 605–610

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Efron B (1982) The jackknife, the bootstrap and other resampling plans, in CBMS-NSF Regional Conference Series in Applied Mathematics, Soc for Ind. And Appl. Math., Philadelphia, PA

    Google Scholar 

  • Gamier J, Leporcq B, Sanchez N and Philippon X (1999) Biogeochemical mass-balances (C, N, P, Si) in three large reservoirs of the Seine Basin ( France ). Biogeochemistry 47: 119–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Gamier J, Billen G, Sanchez N and Leporcq B (2000) Ecological functioning of the Marne reservoir (upper Seine basin, France). Regulated Rivers-Research and Management 16 (1): 51–71

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hill AR (1979) Denitrification in the nitrogen budget of a river ecosystem. Nature 27: 291–292 Hill AR (1981) Nitrate-nitrogen flux and utilization in a stream ecosystem during low summer flows. Canadian Geographer 25: 225–239

    Google Scholar 

  • Hill AR (1983) Nitrate-nitrogen mass balances for two Ontario Rivers. In: III Fontaine (Ed)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dynamics of Lotic Ecosystems (pp 457–477). Ann Arbor Sciences Publishers, Ann Arbor Horton RE (1945) Erosional development of streams and their drainage basins. Geol. Soc. America Bull. 56: 275–370

    Google Scholar 

  • Howarth RW, Billen G, Swaney D, Townsend A, Jaworski N, Lajtha K, Downing JA, Elmgren R, Caraco N, Jordan T, Berendse F, Freney J, Kudeyarov V, Murdoch P and Zhao-Liang Z (1996) Regional nitrogen budgets and riverine N and P fluxes for the drainages to the North Atlantic Ocean: Natural and human influences. Biogeochemistry 35: 75–139

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs TC and Gilliam JW (1985) Headwater stream losses of nitrogen from two coastal plain watersheds. J. Environ. Qual. 14 (4): 467–472

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jansson M, Leonardson L and Fejes J (1994) Denitrification and Nitrogen Retention in a Farmland Stream in Southern Sweden. Ambio 23: 326–331

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaushik NK and Robinson JB (1976) Preliminary observations on nitrogen transport during summer in a small spring-fed Ontario stream. Hydrobiologia 49 (1): 59–63

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly CA, Rudd JWM, Hesslein RH, Schindler DW, Dillon PJ, Driscoll CT, Gherini SA and Hecky RE (1987) Prediction of biological acid neutralization in acid-sensitive lakes. Biogeochemistry 3: 129–140

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leopold and Maddock (1953) The hydraulic geometry of stream channels and some physiographic implications. Geological Survey Professional Paper #252, 57 pp, US Government Printing Office

    Google Scholar 

  • Leopold LB and Miller JP (1956) Ephemeral streams — hydraulic factors and their relation to the drainage net. U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 282-A: 16–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Leopold LB, Wolman MG and Miller JP (1964) The drainage basin as a geomorphic unit. In: Gilluly J and Woodford AO ( Eds) Fluvial Processes in Geomorphology. San Francisco

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowrance R, Todd R and Fail J (1984) Riparian forests as nutrient filters in agricultural watersheds. BioScience 34: 374–377

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mulholland PJ (1992) Regulation of nutrient concentrations in a temperate forest stream: Roles of upland, riparian, and instream processes. Limnology Oceanography 37 (7): 1512–1526

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mulholland PJ, Tank JL, Sanzone DM, Wollheim WM, Peterson BJ, Webster JR and Meyer JL (2000) Nitrogen cycling in a forest stream determined by a 15N tracer addition. Ecological Monographs 70: 471–493

    Google Scholar 

  • National Academy of Sciences (2000) Clean Coastal Waters: Understanding and Reducing the Effects of Nutrient Pollution. Committee on the Causes and Management of Eutrophication, Ocean Studies Board, Water Science and Technology Board, National Research Council, 428 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Nixon SW, Atkinson LP, Berounsky VM, Billen G, Boicourt WC, Boynton WR, Church TM, Ditoro DM, Elmgren R, Garber JH, Giblin AE, Jahnke RA, Owens NJP, Pilson MEQ and Seitzinger SP (1996) The fate of nitrogen and phosphorus at the land-sea margin of the North Atlantic Ocean. Biogeochemistry 35: 141–180

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peterjohn WT and Correll DL (1984) Nutrient dynamics in an agricultural watershed: observations on the role of a riparian forest. Ecology 65: 1466–1475

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson BJ, Wollheim WM, Mulholland PJ, Webster JR, Meyer JL, Tank JL, Marti E, Bowden WB, Valett HM, Hershey AE, McDowell WH, Dodds WK, Hamilton SK, Gregory S and Morrall DD (2001) Control of nitrogen export from watersheds by headwater streams. Science 292 (5514): 86–90

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pind A, Risgaard-Petersen N and Revsbech NP (1997) Denitrification and microphytobenthic NO3 consumption in a Danish lowland stream: Diurnal and seasonal variation. Aquatic Microbial Ecology 12: 275–284

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson JB, Whiteley HR, Stammers W, Kaushik NK and Sain P (1979) The fate of nitrate in small streams and its management implications. In: Lohr RC (Ed) Best Management Practices for Agriculture and Silviculture (pp 247–259 ). Ann Arbor Science Publications, Ann Arbor

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruddy BC and Hitt KJ (1990) Summary of selected characteristics of large reservoirs in the United States and Puerto Rico 1988, U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report 90–163, Reston, Virginia

    Google Scholar 

  • Schelske CL (1975) Silica and nitrate depletion as related to rate of eutrophication in lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior. In: Hasler AD (Ed) Coupling of Land and Water Systems (pp. 277–298 ). Springer-Verlag, New York

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Seitzinger SP (1988a) Denitrification in freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems: ecological and geochemical importance. Limnology Oceanography 33: 702–724

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seitzinger SP (1988b) Benthic nutrient cycling and oxygen consumption in the Delaware Estuary. In: Majumdar SK (Ed) The Ecology and Restoration of the Delaware River Basin (pp 132–147 ). PA Acad. Sci.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seitzinger SP (1991) The effect of pH on the release of phosphorus from Potomac Estuary sediments: Implications for blue-green algal blooms. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 33: 409–418

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sjodin AL, Lewis J and Saunders III (1997) Denitrification as a component of the nitrogen budget for a large plains river. Biogeochemistry 39: 327–342

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smith RA, Schwarz GE and Alexander RB (1997) Regional interpretation of water-quality monitoring data. Water Resources Research 33 (12): 2781–2798

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Strahler AN (1952) Hyposometric (area-altitude) analysis of erosional topography. Geol. Soc. America Bull. 63: 1117–1142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swank WT and Caskey WH (1982) Nitrate depletion in a second-order mountain stream. J. Environ. Qual. 11 (4): 581–584

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van Breemen N, Boyer EW, Goodale CL, Jaworski NA, Paustian K, Seitzinger SP, Lajtha K, Mayer B, van Dam D, Howarth RW, Nadelhoffer KJ, Eve M and Billen G (2002) Where did all the nitrogen go? Fate of nitrogen inputs to large watersheds in the northeastern U.S.A. Biogeochemistry 57 /58: 267–293

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vitousek PM, Aber JD, Howarth RW, Likens GE, Matson PA, Schindler DW, Schlesinger WH and Tilman DG (1997) Human alteration of the global nitrogen cycle: sources and consequences. Ecological Applications 7: 737–750

    Google Scholar 

  • Vörösmarty CJ, Sharma KP, Fekete BM, Copeland AH, Holden J, Marble J et Al. (1997) The storage and aging of continental runoff in large reservoir systems of the world. Ambio 26 (4): 210–219

    Google Scholar 

  • Wollheim WM, Peterson BJ, Deegan LA, Hobbie JE, Hooker B, Bowden WB, Edwardson KJ, Arscott DB, Hershey AE and Finlay J (2001) Influence of stream size on ammonium and suspended particulate nitrogen processing. Limnology and Oceanography 46 (1): 1–13

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, Rutgers/NOAA CMER Program, 71 Dudley Rd, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA

    Sybil P. Seitzinger & Renée V. Styles

  2. College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA

    Elizabeth W. Boyer

  3. U.S. Geological Survey, 413 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA, 20192, USA

    Richard B. Alexander

  4. UMR Sisyphe, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France

    Gilles Billen

  5. Department Ecology and Environmental Biology, Cornell University, Corson Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA

    Robert W. Howarth

  6. Departments of Physics and Astronomy and Geology and Geophysics, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4

    Bernhard Mayer

  7. Laboratory of Soil Science and Geology and Wageningen Institute for Environment and Climate Research, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 37, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands

    Nico Van Breemen

Authors
  1. Sybil P. Seitzinger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Renée V. Styles
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Elizabeth W. Boyer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Richard B. Alexander
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Gilles Billen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Robert W. Howarth
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Bernhard Mayer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Nico Van Breemen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. State University of New York, Syracuse, New York, USA

    Elizabeth W. Boyer (Co-Editor) (Co-Editor)

  2. The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Lab, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA

    Robert W. Howarth (Co-Editor) (Co-Editor)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2002 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Seitzinger, S.P. et al. (2002). Nitrogen retention in rivers: model development and application to watersheds in the northeastern U.S.A.. In: Boyer, E.W., Howarth, R.W. (eds) The Nitrogen Cycle at Regional to Global Scales. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-3405-9_6

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-3405-9_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-6086-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-3405-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation