An assessment of the denitrification potential in shallow groundwaters of the Manawatu River catchment

Abstract

Denitrification in shallow groundwaters is an important nitrate attenuation process which is dependent on the characteristics of the contributing surface and subsurface environment. Little is known about the spatial variability and factors contributing to denitrification potential in shallow groundwater systems in the Manawatu River catchment. The objectives of the study, therefore, are (1) to determine the spatial variability of the denitrification potential in shallow groundwater, (2) to identify the factors affecting this denitrification potential, and (3) to quantify denitrification in selected sites in the catchment.