Tracing nitrate sources of pollution in the urbanized catchment of Kifissos river
Nitrogen species (e.g., nitrate) are widely distributed compounds in rivers primarily as a result of diverse anthropogenic activities, such as the disposal of sewage waste waters, animal feeding operations, agricultural activities and elevated atmospheric N deposition.
Kifissos River flows through Athens capital and shows increased nitrate levels due to different nitrogen pollution sources, such as wastewater discharge points, domestic and institutional sanitation systems, industrial effluents, agricultural activities and waste disposal sites. The river belongs in the official monitoring network operated by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), which is responsible for monitoring the rivers on a National level in order to meet the objectives of Directive 2000/60/EC.
The proposed project suggests a systematic monitoring of nitrate isotopes and other hydrochemical substances, particularly of CECs, in this heavily urbanized catchment to better assess the N dynamics in the river by tracing the main contributors of nitrogen pollution.