Diffuse agricultural nitrate pollution of groundwaters in India

• Published in: Water science and technology 1999, Vol.39 (3), p.67-75
• Main Authors: Agrawal, G.D., Lunkad, S.K., Malkhed, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural pollution; Agricultural wastes; Agrochemicals; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Applied sciences; Bacteria; Biological and medical sciences; Diffuse pollution; Economic resources; Effluents; Exact sciences and technology; fertilizer consumption; Fertilizers; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Groundwater; Groundwater potential; Groundwater treatment; Groundwaters; Industrial effluents; Industrial wastes; Industrial wastewater; Municipal waste management; Natural water pollution; nitrate pollution; Nitrate removal; Nitrates; Nitrogen; Nutrient removal; Pollution; Pollution abatement; Removal; Rural areas; Soil and water pollution; Soil science; Urban areas; Water treatment and pollution
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.1016/S0273-1223(99)00033-5

Nitrate pollution of groundwater due to urban waste and industrial effluents usually centres around cities. This study has shown that nitrate levels in groundwater over vast agricultural areas can be correlated with intensive irrigated agriculture, corresponding use of nitrogenous fertilizers and groundwater development, and consequent diffuse agricultural pollution has already endangered the safety of potable groundwater for future generations in both rural and urban areas. Chemical and bacterial treatment of groundwater for nitrate removal relies on advanced technology and is considered costly even in the developed world. In a country like India where economic resources are inadequate, action on the suggested preventive measures may be taken without delay at this stage when alarming trends have been recorded.