Nitrate Latest News
According to a submission by the Central Groundwater Board, over 20% of groundwater samples collected in Delhi in 2023 had nitrate levels exceeding the permissible limit of 45 mg/l.
About Nitrate
- It is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen.
- It is naturally found in air, soil, water, and some food.
- Plants and animals require nitrates for their survival and growth, and the human body also produces this compound.
Applications of Nitrate
- In industry, nitrate is used as fertilizers for crops and lawns.
- Nitrates are used in food preservation, certain pharmaceutical medications, as well as the manufacture of munitions and explosives.Â
Impact of Nitrate Contamination
- It gets into water from fertilizer in runoff, manure from animal feeding operations and wastewater treatment plant discharge.
- Health: Excessive nitrate in groundwater causes methemoglobinemia, reducing the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen, particularly affecting infants and vulnerable populations.
- Environment: Elevated nitrate levels in groundwater can lead to algal blooms in lakes and ponds, severely degrading aquatic ecosystems by depleting oxygen and harming biodiversity.
Source: TOI
Nitrate FAQs
Q1: What is the primary health risk associated with high nitrate levels in drinking water?
Ans: Methemoglobinemia (Blue Baby Syndrome)
Q2: Which of the following is a major source of nitrate pollution in groundwater?
Ans: Agricultural runoff (fertilizers)
