Nitrate contamination in water is a growing global issue associated with agricultural runoff, animal waste, and wastewater discharges. Elevated nitrate levels contribute to environmental problems, including eutrophication and oceanic dead zones, which impact ecosystems, tourism, and fisheries.
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They also pose risks to public health when present in drinking water. Gaining a clear understanding of how nitrates move through the environment and their origins is essential for developing effective solutions.
Stable nitrogen and oxygen isotope analysis of nitrate (δ15N, δ18O, and δ17O) provides a precise method for tracing nitrate sources, pathways, and transformations. These isotopic signatures can distinguish pollution from organic waste, synthetic fertilizers, and atmospheric inputs, and can also highlight natural bioremediation processes such as bacterial denitrification.