Simple approaches for measuring dry atmospheric nitrogen deposition to watersheds

Abstract

[1] Assessing the effects of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on surface water quality requires accurate accounts of total N deposition (wet, dry, and cloud vapor); however, dry deposition is difficult to measure and is often spatially variable. Affordable passive sampling methods are available for estimating ''hot spots'' and spatial variations of gaseous dry N deposition (i.e., nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and ammonia (NH 3 )), though few viable methods for estimating the deposition from nitric acid (HNO 3 ) gas using passive sampling techniques exist. We consider passive sampling approaches for assessing spatial patterns of dry atmospheric N deposition across watersheds. We describe a method for constructing an inexpensive passive sampler (for less than $12 per unit) for monitoring spatial variations in the magnitude of HNO 3 in the atmosphere. We demonstrate the applicability of passive samplers for use in watershed biogeochemical research and water quality management through a review of previous applications and via our own case study of the South Korean peninsula.

Dual nitrate isotopes in dry deposition: Utility for partitioning NOx source contributions to landscape nitrogen deposition

“…These results suggest that passive collectors offer a novel, cost‐effective medium for collection of dry nitrogen deposition for isotopic analysis, particularly for δ 15 N. While this study used HNO 3 samplers developed by the U.S. Forest Service [ Bytnerowicz et al , 2005], samplers have been developed based on low‐cost, commercially available parts [ Golden et al , 2008]. Passive collectors provide a new opportunity to measure the spatial distribution of dry nitrogen deposition, with unprecedented ease and minimal costs.…”

“…Passive diffusion samplers for collection of HNO 3 [ Bytnerowicz et al , 2005; Golden et al , 2008] were deployed to examine whether passive collectors provide a suitable medium for isotopic analysis. Nine samplers were deployed from 23 April to 20 May 2004 (27 days) at Connecticut Hill (42.4006 latitude, −76.6538 longitude), a CASTNET (CTH110) site in operation since 1987.…”

“…[47] At these CASTNET study sites, dry deposition of HNO 3 is the dominant form of dry inorganic nitrogen deposition measured by existing CASTNET methods (i.e., particulate nitrate plus nitric acid dry deposition), comprising between 70 and 80% of total dry inorganic nitrogen deposition ( [48] These results suggest that passive collectors offer a novel, cost-effective medium for collection of dry nitrogen deposition for isotopic analysis, particularly for d 15 N. While this study used HNO 3 samplers developed by the U.S. Forest Service [Bytnerowicz et al, 2005], samplers have been developed based on low-cost, commercially available parts [Golden et al, 2008]. Passive collectors provide a new opportunity to measure the spatial distribution of dry nitrogen deposition, with unprecedented ease and minimal costs.…”

Efficacy of passive sampler collection for atmospheric NO2 isotopes under simulated environmental conditions

“…Passive samplers are effective for determining ambient air concentrations of nitrogen‐containing molecules (e.g. NO 2(g) , NH 3(g) , HNO 3(g) ), are inexpensive, require little maintenance, and do not require electricity . In particular, the Ogawa passive sampler body (Ogawa & Company, Pompano Beach, FL, USA) consists of a double‐sided passive diffusion design with diffusion end caps on both sides, followed by a stainless steel screen, a 14.5 mm cellulose filter impregnated with a 10% TEA adsorbing solution, followed by another stainless steel screen, and then a retainer ring.…”

“…NO 2(g) , NH 3(g) , HNO 3(g) ), are inexpensive, require little maintenance, and do not require electricity. [27,38,[45][46][47][48] In particular, the Ogawa passive sampler body (Ogawa & Company, Pompano Beach, FL, USA) consists of a double-sided passive diffusion design with diffusion end caps on both sides, followed by a stainless steel screen, a 14.5 mm cellulose filter impregnated with a 10% TEA adsorbing solution, followed by another stainless steel screen, and then a retainer ring. In addition, the sampler bodies are covered by an opaque, plastic shelter to prevent influence from the sun or rainfall.…”