Denitrification (nitrate degradation) in Austria - Methodological basis - assessment of N-surpluses

Most recently, denitrification in groundwater was only assumed to be an average differential value for determining the national nitrogen budget without knowledge of regional differences. Further studies are required to gain a better understanding of denitrification potential.

  • N-Budget Österreich, Pool „Hydrosphäre“ (in kt N a-1, Mittel 2015-2019), der Wert für die Denitrifikation muss als Platzhalter angesehen werden, da die Datengrundlagen unzureichend und mit großen Unsicherheiten verbunden sind
    © Umweltbundesamt & Proman Management GmbH
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  • Bild einer kleinen Pflanze. Auf dem Bild zu sehen sind auch die Logos des Bundesamt für Wasserwirtschaft und des Umweltbundesamtes.
    © Adobe Stock/Bearbeitete Abbildung nach: totojang1977
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Brief description

Data and knowledge gaps exist in Austria with regard to the regional distribution of denitrification rates in the unsaturated and saturated zones. In many places it is therefore unknown how long nitrate pollution persists in groundwater. However, this information is an essential basis for substance balance modeling of nitrogen loads in surface waters and a realistic assessment of regional nitrogen surpluses with regard to expected groundwater concentrations.

The aim of this project, in cooperation with the Federal Environment Agency and other institutes involved in nitrogen modeling and nitrogen degradation, is to determine

  • whether and to what extent existing pedological, hydrological and water quality data as well as
  • data from existing material balance models and nitrogen balances in Austria could be used and
  • which tools need to be supplemented,

to improve the assessment of regional N surpluses, taking into account denitrification in the soil and groundwater. Appropriate methodological principles for nationwide implementation are to be developed

Additional information