Post on 24-Dec-2015
transcript
Nitrate
Nitrate is….• An inorganic
compound. NO3-
• Doesn’t occur naturally in groundwater!
• Common non-point source type of pollution.
Nitrate (NO3-) vs. Nitrite (NO2
-)
Image from Online Encyclopedia Britannica
Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrite in the news• Sodium Nitrite
(NaNO2) is used commonly as a food preservative.
• Foods that contain the highest amounts of NaNO2 are smoked and cured meats.
Common Sources of Nitrate
Tom Gentle, Oregon State University EESC
Common Sources of Nitrate
Image from epa.gov
Image Source: Produced by Agricultural Communications, The Texas A&M University System, EPA
Common Sources of Nitrate
Image from epa.gov
Images from Utah State
How does nitrate get into drinking water?
Used in plants when it is in the root zone.
Nitrate is a negatively charged ion
Isn’t adsorbed (held) by negatively charged soil particles.
Moves easily with water.
Once it is past the root zone it moves rapidly downward into groundwater.
What is a safe level of nitrate in drinking water?Health Standard for PUBLIC DRINKING
WATER SUPPLIES is
10 ppm nitrate nitrogenNo regulation of PRIVATE DRINKING
WATER SUPPLIES
If nitrate is detected, learn more about risk to you.
What are the health issues with nitrate in drinking water?
Methemoglobinemia or “Blue Baby Syndrome”
High level of nitrate consumption can cause a reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood by increasing the amount of methemoglobin.
Methemoglobin is a non-oxygen-carrying enzyme
Infants will start to show obvious symptoms of cyanosis – a bluish color to the skin.
What are the health issues with nitrate in drinking water?
Unconfirmed as a contributing factor in:
Diabetes
Reproductive difficulties
Thyroid Dysfunction
Decreased liver function
Respiratory infections
Cancer
Nitrate in the groundwater now!Treatment options
Reverse osmosis
Distillation
Protect groundwater supplies from further contamination
What are some steps that can be taken?
Nitrate ScreeningScreen your
samples from home, a control, and a mystery sample.