Denitrification Rates, Nitrous Oxide, and Methane Fluxes Along Soil Moisture Gradients In Stormwater Control Structures.

Abstract:

Urbanization has significant impacts on the landscape resulting in increased volume and velocity of stormwater runoff following precipitation events. The primary method used to control stormwater discharge and prevent downstream erosion is the use of best management practices (BMP’s) such as retention basins, detention basins and rain gardens. Although the BMP’s were designed to mitigate hydrologic impacts associated with urban development they have the potential to remove nitrogen through denitrification. In this study we set up transects along moisture gradients in two BMP’s in Baltimore MD, USA and measured denitrification rates using the Nitrogen Free Air Removal Method (N-FARM) method and monitored both soil conditions (oxygen, moisture and temperature measured hourly) and trace gas fluxes (methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide measured monthly) for 1 year.