Science activity

Science activity #53661, updated 26 February 2024

Source characterization and biogeochemical consequences of wastewater and agricultural C, N, and P inputs to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region.

Description / purpose

This project aimed to characterize the sources of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur compounds from wastewater treatment plant and agricultural discharge in the region. Stable isotope measurement provides elemental signatures that can be used to trace compounds to their sources. Use of this methodology requires that researchers first characterize the stable isotope composition of sources—or fingerprint the suspects. By determining the stable isotope composition of various compounds in wastewater and agricultural drainage sources, this project aimed to build a better understanding of how these compounds are affected by different wastewater treatment agricultural land use practices. In addition, the project has provided a base of knowledge to better understand how these compounds are transported and taken up in the delta environment.

Linked science activities

None specified
  • Delta Science Fellow Joseph Fackrell sets up equipment to sample the San Joaquin river from the Sherman Island levee.
  • Joseph samples treated wastewater at White Slough Wastewater Pollution Control Facility
  • Joseph collects a sample from a pump station on Sherman Island on a rainy winter day. Christina Richardson

Activity status

  • 1 Awarded / Initiating (2017)
  • 2 In progress / Ongoing (2 - 2)
  • 3 Complete

Funding summary

Total allocated funding: $0

Location

Subbasins
Delta regions

Geographic tags

None specified

Products and outputs

None provided

Type and context

Science action area

Management themes

Science themes

Types

Science functions

None specified

Management actions

Science Topics

Lead implementing organization

Partner implementing organizations

Funding organizations

None specified

Funding programs

None specified

Funding sources

None specified