Measuring actual denitrification to understand nitrogen loads through aquifers

Ne is an inert, soluble, gas which is present in air and has been used in international studies to understand recharge conditions. The aim of establishing a sampling and analysis technique for Ne is two-fold: (i) enable the quantification of excess nitrogen in the groundwater and thus, denitrification, and (ii) improve groundwater dating via gas tracers by providing the correct recharge temperature and excess air to obtain more robust age tracer concentrations.