Observations on the changes in nitrate concentrations along streams in seven upland moorland catchments in Northeast Scotland

Citation

Black KE, Lowe JAH, Billett M & Cresser MS (1993) Observations on the changes in nitrate concentrations along streams in seven upland moorland catchments in Northeast Scotland. Water Research, 27 (7), pp. 1195-1199. https://doi.org/10.1016/0043-1354%2893%2990011-6

Abstract
River water has been sampled under baseflow conditions in both summer and winter at c. 250-m intervals along the length of each of seven rivers in northeast Scotland, and the nitrate contents have been determined. The resultant data have been examined in the context of the nitrogen saturation hypothesis. Capacity of the catchment soils to retain nitrate was generally minimal in winter. Although biological uptake of nitrate was evident in summer, in the upper part of each catchment substantial nitrate leaching still occurred. The phenomenon was most marked in water draining from hill peats, except where these were conspicuously waterlogged. The results are discussed in the context of possible nitrogen saturation effects on upper catchment slopes.

Keywords
nitrate; river water; saturation hypothesis; critical load

Journal
Water Research: Volume 27, Issue 7