1000 years of Nitrogen Oxide Sources in Western Europe: Evidence from
Nitrogen Stable Isotopes (δ15N) of Nitrate in a Mont Blanc Ice Core
Abstract
Nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) of ice core nitrate of nitrate (NO3-)
are often subject to various interpretations, associated with source,
atmospheric, and/or post-depositional changes. Here, an analysis of a
Mont-Blanc (French Alps) ice core was conducted to investigate
δ15N(NO3-) records over the last 1000 years. We find that the glacially
archived δ15N(NO3-) signal reliably preserves a record of NOx emission
sources with limited post-emission isotopic changes. We use the δ15N
record to reconstruct a history of NOx emissions and compare it with
existing estimated NOx inventories for Western Europe. Notably, our
ice-derived record suggests that inventories for the early 20th-century
may have underestimated NOx emissions resulting from agriculture. During
the 20th century, the δ15N value substantially decreased, which we
attribute to the increasing emissions from oil combustion. Lastly, the
ice core signal highlights the success of mitigation policies in
reducing fossil fuel-induced NOx emissions, albeit 20 years later than
anticipated.