Tuesday, May 27, 2008
209

Characterization of nitrogen dynamics in remnant and engineered features within urban restored streams: An evaluation of wetland and oxbow features

Melanie D. Harrison, Marine Estuarine Environmental Science, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 11402 December Way Apt 202, SilverSpring, MD 20904

Characterization of N-dynamics in remnant and engineered features is important for assessing their effectiveness for reducing nitrogen loads within urban restored stream ecosystems. My study combines hydrology, geomorphology, and biogeochemistry to examine the impacts of urban stream restoration on nitrogen dynamics in streams in Baltimore, Maryland. In this study, I examine how the spatial and temporal patterns of stream flow influence nitrogen retention, uptake, and removal in remnant and engineered floodplain features. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of sustained stream and groundwater during low flow or base flow conditions on nitrogen biochemistry within wetland and oxbow features. The potential for nitrate removal in these features is particularly important; especially where water is slow moving or runoff from hillslopes is not the primary mechanism for the inflow of nitrate into the system, creating “hotspots” for nitrogen removal. Bromide and N15 tracer studies along with nutrient additions will be conducted across a network of wells at each site to examine N-dynamics throughout engineered floodplain features.


Web Page: Nitrate, Floodplain, Stream Restoration

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