Nitrate: Health Effect in Drinking Water and Management for Water Quality

Nitrate is a common nitrogenous compound due to natural processes of the nitrogen cycle; anthropogenic sources have greatly increased the nitrate concentration, particularly in groundwater. The largest anthropogenic sources are septic tanks, application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers to turf grass and agricultural processes. Levels of nitrates in groundwater in some instances are the safe levels proposed by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and thus, pose a threat to human health. Particularly in rural, private wells, incidence of methemoglobinemia appears to be the result of high nitrate levels. Methemoglobinemia, or blue baby syndrome, robs the blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Many methods are used to clean-up nitrate from consumption water. Technical regulation and issues required for management were developed in this study.