Spatially eutrophication potential and policy implication of nitrogen emission for surface water: A case study in Guangzhou city, China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118336
• Publication Date: 2023-06-15T17:31:12Z
• Authors: Yue Dong; Xiang Cheng; Changlin Li; Linyu Xu
• Keywords: China; 13. Climate action; Nitrogen; 11. Sustainability; Water; Fresh Water; Phosphorus; 14. Life underwater; Eutrophication; 6. Clean water; Environmental Monitoring

Understanding the spatial distribution and path tracing of eutrophication caused by nitrogen (N) enrichment in urban freshwater is crucial for whole-process and precise damage effect control. This study constructed a site-specific life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) model, covering the overall cause-effect chain from source emission to endpoint effect, to assess N-induced eutrophication potential at the species damage level. Applied to Guangzhou city, China, marked spatial disparities in eutrophication potential were derived, with higher values in the downtown areas driven by anthropogenic disturbances, such as wastewater discharge. Spatially differentiated measures were provided through eutrophication hotspot identification and driver tracking. This study offers a necessary complement for eutrophication impact category indicators in LCIA methodology and lays a scientific foundation for potential hotpots diagnosis and targeted mitigation policy-making.