Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Nitrates also come from the earth. Soil contains organic matter, which contains
nitrogen compounds. Just like the ammonia in water, these nitrogen compounds in
the soil are converted by bacteria into nitrates.
Although nitrates occur naturally in soil and water, an excess levels of nitrates
can be considered to be a contaminant of ground and surface waters. Most sources of
excess nitrates come from human activity. The source of excess nitrates can usually
be traced to agricultural activities, human wastes, or industrial pollution.
Nitrogen fertilizers have been applied to yards, fields, golf courses to promote
the growth of plants. Rainwater can wash nitrates in the fertilizer into streams and
rivers or the nitrates can seep into ground water. This can also occur with animal
waste and manure.
Nitrates can interfere with the ability of our red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Infants are more at risk of nitrate poisoning than older children or adults. Babies can
turn blue when there is not enough oxygen being transported by their blood. This
blue baby syndrome (technically known as methemoglobinemia) is a serious
condition that can cause brain damage or death.