Dissolved organic carbon and dissolved oxygen determine the nitrogen removal rate constant in small water bodies of intensive agricultural region

Small water bodies are extensively distributed and play critical roles in nitrogen (N) removal, primarily through sediment denitrification. However, our comprehension understanding of the N removal rate constant in these systems, particularly within the first-order kinetics model, remains limited. To address this gap, a one-year field study was conducted to investigate the N removal rate and N removal rate constant in various small water bodies within a typical intensive agricultural area. We observed a decrease in N removal rates in the downstream direction, from ditches to downstream ponds and streams, potentially due to upstream water bodies receiving higher nutrient inputs. Moreover, our findings revealed that the N removal process in small water bodies generally follows a first-order kinetics reaction model, with the N removal rate constant varying from 0.22 d1 in streams and 0.48 d1 in vegetated ditches. Both water dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations collectively influenced the N removal rate constants. By leveraging the relationship between the N removal rate constant and these environmental factors, we further estimated that, on average, small water bodies remove 68% of the N loading in the Dongting Lake Basin. We recommend implementing artificial management measures, such as vegetation, to enhance the N removal capacity of water bodies. However, the caution must be exercised in measures like concrete linings in ditches, as they can hinder N removal. These findings not only offer methods for estimating N removal in small water bodies, but also provide an insight into enhancing the N removal capacity of these systems to effectively mitigate non-point N pollution.