Ammonium Transport and Reaction in Contaminated Groundwater: Application of Isotope Tracers and Isotope Fractionation Studies

摘要

Ammonium is present in groundwater naturally as a result of anaerobic degradation of organic matter and artificially as a result of organic waste disposal. Anthropogenic ammonium is one of the major dissolved components in some types of groundwater contaminant plumes. Ammonium concentrations of the order of 110 mmol/L have been observed in aquifers contaminated by landfill leachate and concentrated wastewater disposal practices. Septic systems and agricultural practices may also result in locally elevated recharge rates of ammonium.