Question

In some parts of the world, water for humans and animals contain high concentration of nitrates that is unsafe for consumption. Why?

Answer 1

Nitrates (NO${}_3$) are the source of nitrogen, They are mostly present on the surface of the soil or in the atmosphere and are obtained through the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle. They can contaminate water bodies mainly through the rain as it sweeps the water with the above surface of soil containing nitrates as well as from the fields or farms due to the use of pesticides and insecticides containing nitrates in them. Water contamination with nitrates can also occur through animal or human wastes, it may also occur in any water bodies because of industrialization or different agricultural practices. This nitrate contamination is the main source of diseases and carries pathogens.