Utilization of natural variations in the isotopic abundance of 15N to trace the source of aquifer pollution by nitrates

The validity of using the natural isotope nitrogen-15 to trace the source of nitrates contained in aquifers is discussed with reference to experimental devices (lysimeters and experimental plots) and for examples chosen from the Paris area. There are a number of sources of nitrates: (1) industrially synthesized nitrates (fertilizers); (2) nitrates produced by oxidation of organic matter associated with human, agricultural or urban activities; (3) nitrates synthesized in the soil by the decay of organic matter. In the examples studied these sources differ in their 15N content: (1) fertilizers have a delta15N close to zero (atmospheric nitrogen); (2) the nitrates originating from organic pollution have high delta15N (above 10-12 per mille) and this 15N enrichment is associated with the volatilization of ammonia during the ammonia stage of mineralization; (3) the isotopic characterization of the nitrates produced by organic matter in the soil is less evident. Citing several examples, the author demonstrates that these three sources are diffentiated isotopically. Consideration of the parameters nitrate concentration/isotopic composition reveals simple mixture curves. In the most complicated cases - where there is association with other isotopic (3H) or chemical parameters - it is possible qualitatively to trace the sources of nitrogen pollution