Abstract
The article describes the use of Scots pine bark to identifynitrogen sources in eastern Germany, as well as background areas in Russia and Bulgaria, by using natural isotope ratios of total nitrogen (Nt) and individual N compoundssuch as ammonium (NH4 +), nitrate (NO3 -)and amid nitrogen (amide-N). The samples collected were analysed using an elemental analyser in connection with a gas isotope mass spectrometer (EA-IRMS). Natural 15N abundances in pine bark from impact areas suggest that the ammonium accumulated on the surface of the bark is releasedfrom livestock management. Bark of Scots pines growing near agricultural land had highly depleted δ15Nt values (between –8 and –12‰), while bark from background areas (unpolluted areas) displayed slightly negative δ15Nt values (mean 15Nt = –3.8‰). It is assumed that part of the N adsorbed on the bark surface is mainly derived from ammonia(mean 15Nt = –40.3‰) escaping from livestock housing and during the application of manure. This assumption is confirmed by experiments under controlled conditions in which manure samples were spread on soil. In addition, temporal and spatial variations of 15Nt abundances in pine bark from various locations in eastern Germany as wellas pine stands in Nature Park Dübener Heath are discussed.
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Schulz, H., Gehre, M., Hofmann, D. et al. Nitrogen Isotope Ratios in Pine Bark as an Indicator of N Emissions from Anthropogenic Sources. Environ Monit Assess 69, 283–297 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010705907525
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010705907525