Effects of seasonal thermal stratification on ammonia nitrogen transformation in a source water reservoir

Abstract

Seasonal thermal stratification has a significant impact on water quality. In this paper, the variation of vertical distribution of ammonia nitrogen in a source water reservoir was studied, on the base of field monitoring data. The dominant factor of the variation in ammonia nitrogen is the anaerobic environment caused by the seasonal thermal stratification, which leads to the degradation of nitrogen-containing organic compounds in the sediments. To determine the rates of ammonia accumulation, an in situ experimental chamber was used. The results showed that, before the formation of thermal stratification in the reservoir, sediments in the bottom of the water have a high tendency to release ammonia; the rates of ammonia accumulation in the overlying water are 40.31–111.41 mg·m−2·d−1. However, thermal stratification causes changes in the physical and chemical properties of the sediment and reduction in the degradability of the nitrogen-containing compound in the sediment. The rates of ammonia accumulation (39.44–44.65 mg·m−2·d−1) after thermal stratification are lower than before. Considering the water pollution hazards caused by seasonal thermal stratification, it is necessary to take corresponding emergency response measures to cope with the possibility of water pollution risk.