IJAR - Indian Journal of Applied Research

Javid A Sheikh; Naseer A Gani; Riyaz A Baba; G Jeelani; R S Gavali

Volume : IV, Issue : XI, November - 2014

Assessment of Nitrate levels in Groundwater‘s of Budgam District, Kashmir Valley, India

Javid A Sheikh, Naseer A Gani, Riyaz A Baba, G Jeelani, R S Gavali

Abstract :

Sampling was carried out during October 2008, with a view to understand the source of nitrate ions in the groundwater of Budgam District. Eleven sampling sites were selected and samples were taken for a baseline study and overall physico–chemical characteristics were studied. Results showed that NO3− concentration ranged from 7.4 mg/L to 9.8 mg/L with an average of 8.2 mg/L. All the samples collected were having nitrate concentrations below than 50 mg/L, the maximum acceptable nitrate concentration for drinking water. Presence of nitrate in Ground waters can be attributed to anthropogenic impact as NO–3 that enters the water systems originates as NO–3 in animal wastes or fertilizers applied to the land surface. These are designated as direct nitrate sources. In other cases, NO–3 originates by conversion of organic nitrogen or NH+4, which occur naturally or are introduced to the soil zone by man’s activities. There is a narrow spatial variation in the nitrate concentration in the groundwater, lowest concentrations of nitrate were found at site 7 while the highest concentrations were found at site 5. Nitrate water pollution is very hazardous to humans. The best–known health problem arising from nitrate consumption is methemoglobinemia, a fatal disease characterized by cyanosis.