Question

Methaemoglobinemia, the 'blue baby' synd-rome is caused by consuming water containing excess of

• A. fluoride
• B. nitrate
• C. nitrite
• D. phosphate

Answer 1

The correct option is B nitrate

Nitrate is one of the most frequent ground-water pollutants in rural areas. It needs to be regulated in drinking water basically because excess levels can cause 'Methae-moglobinemia' or 'blue baby disease'. Although nitrate levels that affect babies are not dangerous for older children and adults, they do indicate the possible presence of other more serious residential or agricultural pollutants, such as bacteria and pesticides.
The origin of nitrate in groundwater is primarily from fertilizers, septic systems and manure storage or spreading operations.
Nitrogen limit in drinking water is $45mg/L$
Methaemoglobinemia :
Condition arising from the excessive conversion of haemoglobin to methaemoglobin, which is incapable of binding and carrying oxygen. Methaemoglobin is formed when iron in haemoglobin molecule is oxidized from $F{e}^{2+}$ to $F{e}^{3+}$.