Measuring Denitrification

How can the research be used? Ka pēhea e whai take ai te rangahau?

• A method was developed to quantify the end product (excess N₂) from the denitrification reaction, which can then be used to find the rate of denitrification (by combining with age). With enough data, a 3D map of denitrification could be created.
• The project team is collaborating with Horizons Regional Council, Environment Southland and Waikato Regional Council to ensure that the measurement tools will be used by the councils. For example, the method has been used in the Waikato Regional Council’s test wells.
• Testing in the Lake Taupō catchment, which is under threat from excess nitrogen contaminants, aims to understand denitrification for better protection of this nationally significant environment.
• The method developed by this programme will contribute to the production of an accurate national map of denitrification, which would feed into the Land Use Suitability programme, providing science-based data for land use optimisation to improve water quality.
• The next step for this research is to get the technique ready for wider adoption on a regional and national level, with improved sensitivity enabling larger catchment studies.