Abstract
We explored the role of aquatic systems in the global N cycle using a spatially distributed, within‐basin, aquatic nitrogen (N) removal model, implemented within the Framework for Aquatic Modeling in the Earth System (FrAMES‐N). The model predicts mean annual total N (TN) removal by small rivers (with drainage areas from 2.6–1000 km2), large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, using a 30′ latitude × longitude river network to route and process material from continental source areas to the coastal zone. Mean annual aquatic TN removal (for the mid‐1990s time period) is determined by the distributions of aquatic TN inputs, mean annual hydrological characteristics, and biological activity. Model‐predicted TN concentrations at basin mouths corresponded well with observations (median relative error = −12%, interquartile range of relative error = 85%), an improvement over assumptions of uniform aquatic removal across basins. Removal by aquatic systems globally accounted for 14% of total N inputs to continental surfaces, but represented 53% of inputs to aquatic systems. Integrated aquatic removal was similar in small rivers (16.5% of inputs), large rivers (13.6%), and lakes (15.2%), while large reservoirs were less important (5.2%). Bias related to runoff suggests improvements are needed in nonpoint N input estimates and/or aquatic biological activity. The within‐basin approach represented by FrAMES‐N will improve understanding of the freshwater nutrient flux response to anthropogenic change at global scales.
Department
Earth Systems Research Center
Publication Date
6-20-2008
Journal Title
Water Resources Research
Publisher
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Wollheim, W.M., C.J. Vorosmarty, A.F. Bouwman, P.A. Green, J. Harrison, E. Linder, B.J. Peterson, S. Seitzinger, and J.P.M. Syvitski. 2008b. Global N removal by freshwater aquatic systems: a spatially distributed, within-basin approach. Global Biogeochemical Cycles. GB2026, doi:10.1029/2007GB002963.
Rights
Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.
Comments
This is an article published by AGU in Water Resources Research in 2008, available online: https://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2007GB002963