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Assessment of sources and transformation of nitrate in groundwater on the slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania

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Abstract

The stable isotope compositions of nitrogen-nitrate (15N-NO3) and oxygen-nitrate (18O-NO3), and concentration of nutrients (NO3 −, NH4 +, NO2 −, PO4 3−) for water samples collected from springs, shallow wells and boreholes during dry and wet seasons were used to investigate sources and biogeochemical transformation of NO3 − in groundwater along the slopes of Mount Meru. About 80 % of all water sources had nitrate concentration higher than background concentration of 10 mg/l during both seasons, while NH4 + and NO2 − concentrations were very low probably due to nitrification. Concentrations of NO3 − above 50 mg/l were observed in some water sources. Concentrations of PO4 3− in all groundwater sources were very low during the two seasons owing to dilution and adsorption. The δ15N-NO3 − for boreholes waters averaged +11.6 ± 2.1 and +10.7 ± 2.1 ‰ during dry and wet seasons, respectively. Similarly, the δ18O-NO3 − of borehole waters for the wet and dry seasons averaged +5.2 ± 1.3 and +4.6 ± 1.9 ‰, respectively. With regard to dug wells, the δ15N-NO3 − of well water averaged +13.3 ± 2.5 and +12.5 ± 2.3 ‰ during dry and wet seasons, respectively, while the δ18O-NO3 − for the wet and dry seasons averaged +7 ± 2.3 and +6.4 ± 2.1 ‰, respectively. The δ15N-NO3 −, for springs averaged +11.2 ± 2.2 ‰ during dry season and +11.7 ± 3.5 ‰ during wet season whereas the δ18O-NO3 − for the wet and dry seasons averaged +7.3 ± 3.6 and +5.9 ± 2.6 ‰, respectively. The isotopic data suggested that the source of NO3 − in the water sources are dominated by sewage and/or animal manure and to less extent, soil organic N. Few samples collected in close proximity of manure heaps and sanitary facilities had δ15N values between 16 and 20 ‰ suggesting occurrence of denitrification.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Government of Tanzania through The Nelson Mandela, African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). The authors wish to extend their sincere thanks to Mr. Trashias Kagenzi, District Executive Director (DED), Meru District Council for granting permission for conducting this study, Mr. Saruni (Natural Resource Officer), Ms. Angella Ndelwa and Mr. Fred Kuwese (Forest Officers) for assisting the fieldwork. Also sincere gratitude is extended to Dr. Katharine Pecsok Ewert and Emily Ngo Schick of UC Davis Stable Isotope Facility, Department of Plant Sciences Mr. Godfrey Mkongo and Masumbuko Godwin of Ngurdoto Defluoridation Water Research laboratory (NDWRL), Arusha for their technical advice and assistance during analysis of water samples. Last but not least, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the Village Chairmen, Village Executive Officers (VEO) of the villages in Akeri, Kikwe and Usariver and boreholes and well owners in these areas for allowing this study be conducted in their area.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Water and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Materials, Energy Water and Environmental Sciences (MEWES), Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania

    Eliapenda Elisante & Alfred N. N. Muzuka

  2. Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), P.O Box 3038, Morogoro, Tanzania

    Eliapenda Elisante

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  1. Eliapenda Elisante
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  2. Alfred N. N. Muzuka
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Correspondence to Alfred N. N. Muzuka.

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Elisante, E., Muzuka, A.N.N. Assessment of sources and transformation of nitrate in groundwater on the slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania. Environ Earth Sci 75, 277 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-5015-1

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