Defining the maximum nitrogen surplus in water management plans to recover nitrate polluted aquifers in Spain

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120770
• Publication Date: 2024-03-28T03:23:00Z
• Authors: Miguel Ángel Pére...; Meenakshi Arora; Teodoro Estrela M...
• Keywords: Water Framework Directive; Nutrient pollution

Nitrate pollution in aquifers is a global concern. Spain has developed national strategy to recover nitrate polluted aligned with the European Union (EU) policies, specifically through water planning under EU Water Framework Directive. River basin management plans use PATRICAL model results define maximum nitrogen surplus each aquifer for first time. The allows reach good status and provides number of years required. Around 30% currently heavily by nitrates. Model show that 90% these can be recovered next 6–12 increasing efficiency reducing losses around 50%, which line Farm Fork Strategy. remaining require additional reductions achieve status. In this increase obtained different measures including reduction current fertilization.