ODAK Corporation is a strong supporter of environmental education and we feel privileged to make available this informational report as a means of environmental education and awareness. The mission statement of ODAK Corporation is to provide high quality product, service and support to its customers and distributors. In partial fulfillment of that obligation we are proud to make this report available to you. There are a number of contaminants that threaten the safety and quality of our nations drinking water, but none seem so benign as nitrates. Nitrates are a form of nitrogen. Nitrogen is need by every living plant and animal and can be found in the soil, air we breath, rain and the water we drink. Nitrogen is usually present in the form of ammonia (NH3),nitrite (NO2), and nitrate (NO3), so how could this essential element be a concern.

The Concern:

If infants drinking baby formula or water that contains an elevated level of nitrate or nitrite the baby could die from the disease "methemoglobinema". Current research suggests that long-term exposure to nitrates in drinking water may cause the development of cancer. I hope that these potential concerns make your read on and learn more about nitrates. What is "Methemoglobinema" anyway?

"When an infant consumes formula made with nitrate or nitrite contaminated water, the nitrates are converted in the child’s stomach to nitrite. The nitrite is then absorbed into the body and reacts with the blood (hemoglobin) to form methemoglobin. Since hemoglobin carries the oxygen throughout the body and methemoglobin can not carry oxygen, the infant can suffocate due to lack of oxygen". This is why this is sometimes known as "Blue Baby Syndrome"

Cancer Concern:

The concern over the ability of nitrates to cause cancer is unclear. Once in the body the nitrate or nitrite can form a serious of nitrogen compounds that have been tested and shown to be cancer causing agents in laboratory animals. Currently, there is no direct evidence that nitrate-contaminated drinking water causes cancer, but it is recommended that you reduce your exposure to these compounds.

The Source:

A recent study conduct by the EPA estimated that over 600,000 household had nitrate levels above the safe drinking water standard of 10 milligram NO3-N per liter (nitrate as nitrogen) and a study by the US Geological Survey showed that at least 6 % of the nations rural wells exceeded the drinking water standard. The primary sources of nitrogen:

Sources include:

1. Farming/Landscaping: excessive or improper fertilizer use and improper storage of manure
2. Land Development: inadequate storm water management and erosion protection
3. On-lot Septic Systems: improper siting, design, and maintenance
4. Landscaping fertilizers for lawn maintenance
5. Airborne sources of NOx

Nitrate contamination is typically a problem in agricultural areas, but other rural non-agricultural communities are also at risk.

Nitrate Removal:

The only ways to prevent nitrate contamination of a water supply include: proper siting of water system, proper management of
fertilizers and manure, proper well construction (sanitary wells), and install point-of-use water treatment devices. The primary
water treatment devices for nitrate removal include: ion exchange resins, distillation, and reverse osmosis. It is critical that you
have your water tested for this contaminant.

References or other resources:

Environmental Quality Center

This is a copyright protected document. To obtain permission to reproduce, distribute, or reprint this article, you must obtain permission from B.F. Environmental Consultants, 15 Hillcrest Drive, Dallas, PA 18612, boram@wilkes.edu, copyright@1987.