Nitrate source identification and quantification in the euphotic zone of the Baltic Proper using nitrogen and oxygen stable isotopes

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Maren Voß
• Subject Area: Oceanography
• Term: from 2009 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 111902597

Nitrate sources of the Baltic Proper will be identified and quantified by means of nitrogen and oxygen stable isotopes. The Baltic Sea is strongly influenced by the catchment (covering 4 times the area of the sea itself) and the anthropogenic activity there. In particular nitrate and phosphorus inputs via rivers, point sources, and atmospheric deposition cause eutrophication which aggravate anoxia in bottom waters. An additional source is nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria in the euphotic zone. Potential nitrate sources are largely known. However, there are still substantial uncertainties regarding their quantity and relative importance for the primary production in the euphotic zone of the Baltic Proper. The denitrifier method, which enables measurement of both nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate, will be applied for the first time in this region. The isotope signature makes it possible to distinguish between different nitrogen sources and processes affecting the nitrate concentration in the euphotic layer. Potential sources (nitrate pool, atmospheric deposition plus for the first time dissolved organic nitrogen) will be analyzed. Additional experimental studies will help to determine the relative importance of different nitrogen forms (inorganic and organic) supporting the primary production. A nitrate budget for the euphotic layer in the central Baltic Sea will be established.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants