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Extent of Nitrate and Nitrite Pollution in Ground Water of Rural Areas of Lucknow, U.P, India

Anjali Verma1 , Amit Kumar Rawat1 and Nandkishor More1 *

1 Department of Environmental Science, BBA (A Central) University, Lucknow, 226025 U.P. India

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CWE.9.1.17

The present world is facing problems with a wide variety of pollutants. Water pollution is a major global problem. It has been suggested that it is the leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases and that it accounts for the deaths of more than 14,000 people daily in Lucknow Capital of  Uttar Pradesh in India.Nitrate and Nitrite pollution is one of groundwater's most commonly identified contaminants, an indicator of  serious pollution as they are associated with septic waste and agricultural endeavours, leads to numerous health problems to human beings and animals.4 rural areas of Lucknow were selected and 15 samples from each station to check the level of nitrite and nitrate parameters in groundwater. Further our studies reveal that the extent of nitrate and nitrite varied with reference to sampled site and maximum nitrate was found to be 250.224 and maximum nitrite was 1.8998 both are high.

Nitrite; Nitrate; Ground Water Pollution; Lucknow

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Verma A, Rawat A. K, More N. Extent of Nitrate and Nitrite Pollution in Ground Water of Rural Areas of Lucknow, U.P, India. Curr World Environ 2014;9(1) DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CWE.9.1.17

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Verma A, Rawat A. K, More N. Extent of Nitrate and Nitrite Pollution in Ground Water of Rural Areas of Lucknow, U.P, India. Curr World Environ 2014;9(1). Available from: http://www.cwejournal.org/?p=5533


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Received: 2013-12-08
Accepted: 2014-01-17

Introduction

Healthy soil, clean water and air are the soul of life. Soil, water and air are no longer clean and pure, today pose human health risks. Comprising over 70% of the Earth's surface water is undoubtedly the most precious natural resource that exists on our planet. It is essential for everything on our planet to grow and prosper. Water pollution remains one of the most visible and persistent signs of our impact on the natural world. Gomti river in Lucknow city in India, receives huge quantities of untreated waste, from industrial effluents to domestic discharge, the river becomes more of a flowing dumping yard for the 15 smaller and bigger towns in its catchment area which affects badly on human health. Although we as humans recognize this fact we disregard it by polluting our rivers, lakes, and oceans.The water pollutants include sewage, variety of both organic and inorganic pollutants including oils, greases, plastics plasticizers, metallic wastes, suspended solids, phenols, acids, greases, salts, dyes, cyanides, DDT and some heavy metals like Cu, Cr, Cd, Hg, Pb are also discharged from industries.The contamination of the environment with toxic metals has become a worldwide problem, affecting crop yields, soil biomass and fertility.2 In Lucknow Gomti river collects large amounts of human and industrial pollutants as it flows through the highly populous areas (18 million approx) of  Uttar Pradesh. High pollution levels in the river have negative effects on the ecosystem of the Gomti threatening its aquatic life and also surronded areas of Lucknow. All industries of distillery, milk industry and vegetable oil, pouring effluent directly into Gomti and besides this domestic waste water are also discharge into the River Gomti. Drains are the main source of  water pollution especially for rivers flowing within the city carry industrial effluent, domestic waste, sewage, and Medicinal waste results in pouring the water quality.The specific contaminants leading to pollution in water include a wide spectrum of chemicals, pathogens and physical or sensory changes such as elevated temperature and discoloration. While many of the chemicals and substances that are regulated may be naturally occurring (calcium, sodium, iron, manganese, etc.) the concentration is often the key in determining what is a natural component of water, and what is a contaminant. High concentrations of naturally occurring substances can have negative impacts on aquatic flora and fauna. Water pollution can cause by both organic and inorganic pollutants. Nitrate is an inorganic compound that can be a natural or manmade contaminant in drinking water Nitrite and Nitrate pollution is due is to excessive amount of nitrate in surface or ground water as a result of agricultural practices. Farmers and homeowners using nitrate bearing fertilizers often use a variety of pesticides and herbicides which may migrate to ground water supplies. Due to its high solubility in water, nitrate and nitrite are the most common contaminants in rural and suburban areas. Fertilizer use has led to greater contamination of surface and groundwater with nitrates essentially dissolved nitrogen fertilizer that has not been taken up by plants. Nitrate(NO3) is the main form in which nitrogen occurs in groundwater, although dissolved nitrogen may also be present as nitrite (NO2), ammonium (NH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and organic nitrogen.Nitrate and Nitrite are the inorganic pollutants which degrades the water quality of drinking water. Higher concentration of metal in water and could be due to the industrial, agricultural or domestic runoff coming into the river.5 River water quality monitoring is necessary especially where the water serves as drinking water sources.6 Nitrate and Nitrite are the inorganic pollutants which degrades the water quality of drinking water. Although there are many sources of nitrogen (both natural and anthropogenic) that could potentially lead to the pollution of the groundwater with nitrates, the anthropogenic sources are really the ones that most often cause the amount of nitrate to rise to a dangerous level. Waste materials are one of the anthropogenic sources of nitrate contamination of groundwater. Water moving down through soil after rainfall or irrigation carries dissolved nitrate with it to ground water. In this way, nitrate enters the water supplies of many homeowners who use wells or springs. Many areas of the United States and other countries have reported significant contamination of groundwater from septic tanks. Ground water contamination is usually related to the density of septic systems.7 Nitrogen in organic form and ammonium can be converted by bacteria in aerobic conditions into nitrite and nitrate, a process termed 'nitrification'. Nitrate in anaerobic systems can be reduced by other strains of bacteria to nitrous oxide or nitrogen gas, by 'denitrification'. In aerobic water nitrogen occurs as nitrate or nitrite ions. Nitrate is stable over a considerable range of conditions and is very mobile in water. Ammonium and organic forms are unstable and are generally considered to be indicators of pollution. Drinking water high in nitrate is potentially harmful to human and animal health. Nitrate (NO3) is a naturally occurring form of nitrogen (N) which is very mobile in water.8 Nitrate pollution for groundwater supplies is directly related to the amount of fertilizers or other nitrogen inputs to the land, as well as the permeability of the soil. In China assessment of groundwater contamination happened by nitrates associated with wastewater irrigation.The United States Environmental Protection Agency is currently establishing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for over 80 contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act and  to reduce the contaminant concentrations of all drinking  water to levels near  those prescribed in the Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.10 Comprehensive assessment of Freshwater Water Resources and water availability in the world was done.11 Effect of nitrate on drinking water quality and its management.12,13 Northern China affected by Nitrate Pollution in Groundwater. Nitrate in drinking water can be effectively reduced in a number of ways. The best solution is to find an alternative water supply for drinking and cooking purposes. If other pollutants are not present, reverse osmosis systems, anion exchange units, and distillation can reduce nitrate and nitrite levels Objectives of the study were to determine the extent of nitrate and nitrite concentration in ground water of some areas of Lucknow. Four different stations of rural areas were selected namely Raibareily Road, Kanpur Road, Sultanpur Road and Hardoi Road.15 samples were collected namely from each station.

Sample Collection

The sampling of ground water was done from 4 different stations of rural areas of Lucknow. 15 samples from each station were taken. All the samples were taken from deep well hand pumps. Each sampling station covers nearly 16 Km area. Name of sites from different station are as follows:

Sampling Station (Raibareli Road)

1.Kudha, 2.Merai Khera, 3.Atrauli, 4.Kankaha Gaon, 6.Gadiyana, 7.Sikandarpur, 8.Katua Khera, 9.Kesari Khera, 10.Madhav Khera, 11.Harkansh Khera, 12.Pachauri, 13. Hualas Khera,14.  Ranjeet Khera,  15. Kankaha Bazar, 16. Badan Kher.

Sampling Station (Kanpur Road )

1.Narayan Khera  2.Hindu Khera 3. Banthara Bazar   4.Kati Bagia 5. Piparsand 6. MunnaKhera 7.SaraiSahjadi 8. BalluKhera 9. Bauri Khera 10. Balhe Mau 11. Nidhaan Khera 12.Gauri 13. ShivPura 14. Shaikhpur  15. Bakhat Khera.

Sampling Station (Sultanpur Road)

l. Kasimpur Biruha 2.Gusaiganj 3.Pancham Purwa 4.Kasimpur 5. NawabAliPurwa 6.Amirpur 7.Begaria 8.Sengta 9.Kabirpur 10.Bikauli  11.Pahar Nagar 12.Malauli 13.Hardaspur  14.Salauli   15. Jahangirpur.

Sampling Station (Hardoi Road)

1.Suspan  2. Thari   3.Gahdon  4. Dilawar Nagar  5.Rahimabad   6. Jamoliya  7. Kiatholiya 18. Gopalpur9.  Mundiyara 10. Mahima Khera 11. Badkhorwa 12.Kamaaluddin  Nagar  13.Ater  14.Malihabad  15. Maal.

Materials and Methods

Samples were collected in precleaned bottles and labelled at the site. All samples were analysed for nitrate and nitrite concentrations within 24 hours of sampling to minimise the effect of storage by freezing and to obtain more reliable results. Presence of nitrate and nitrite are normally observed by yellow and pink colour intensity produced by Salicylic acid and NED –N-diamine dihydrochloride1Napthylethylene.14Rapid colorimetric determination of  nitrate in plant tissues. Estimation of Nitrite content in soil and leaves.

(a) Reagents - For Nitrate 1. 5% Salicylic acid

Dissolve 5 gm of Salicylic acid in 100 ml of conc. H2SO4 or 1.25 gm of salicylic acid in 25 ml of conc. H2SO4. 2.

2 N NaOH Solution

Dissolve 40 gm of NaOH Pellets in 500 ml in distilled water.

(b) Preparation of Standard Curve for Nitrate

Solution

Dissolve 0.1 gm of KNO3 sail in 100 ml of distilled water.

Dilution of Stock Solution
 
  Stock Sol. (ml) Dist. Water (ml) Concentration
1. 0.2 9.8 20
2. 0.4 9.6 40
3. 0.6 9.4 60
4. 0.8 9.2 80
5. 1.00 9.00 100

Procedure

Water sample 0.1 m, 0.4 ml Salicylic acid, 9.5 ml 2N NaOH Orange/Yellow colour intensity indicates the presence of nitrate in water sample. Ing noted at 410 nm by Cary Varian Bio-Spectrophotometer.
 
  Concentration (mg/l) Absorbance(Optical Density)
1. 20 0.0266
2. 40 0.0456
3. 60 0.0659
4. 80 0.0829
5. 100 0.1101
 
(a) Reagents – For Nitrite 0.01%  NED- N-1-Napthylethylene diamine dihydrochloride 0.01 g in 100 ml of distilled water, 0.02 %  sulphanilamide in N HCl. (b) Preparation of Standard Curve for Nitrite: Stock Solution- 0.00g of  NANO2 in  100 ml distilled water
Click here to View table

(a) Reagents – For Nitrite

0.01%  NED- N-1-Napthylethylene diamine dihydrochloride 0.01 g in 100 ml of distilled water, 0.02 %  sulphanilamide in N HCl.

(b) Preparation of Standard Curve for Nitrite: Stock Solution 

0.00g of  NANO2 in 100 ml distilled water

Dilution of Stock Solution
 
  Stock Sol. (ml) Dist. Water( ml) Concentration
1. 0.1 9.9 0.1
2. 0.2 9.8 0.2
3. 0.3 9.7 0.3
4. 0.4 9.6 0.4
5. 0.5 9.5 0.5

Procedure

Water sample 1 ml, 1 ml NED, 1 ml Sulphanilamide. Pink colour intensity indicates the presence of nitrite in water sample. Read it at 540 nm by Cary Varian Bio-Spectrophotometer.
 
  Concentration (mg/l) Absorbance (Optical Density)
1. 0.1 0.0010
2. 0.2 0.0016
3. 0.3 0.0022
4. 0.4 0.0028
5. 0.5 0.0035


Click here to View figure

Calculation of K- Factor (Nitrate)

K1 = 20/0.0266 =751.87, K2=40/0. 0456=877.19 , K3=60/0.0659= 910.47, K4= 80/0.0829= 965.01, K5= 100/ 0.1101= 908.26, (K. Aver = 4412.80/5 =882.56).

Calculation of K- Factor (Nitrite)

K1 = 0.1/00.0010 =100, K2=0.2/0.0016=125, K3=0.3/0.0022= 136.6, K4=0.4 /0.0028= 142.85, K5=0.5 / 0.0035= 142.85. (K. Avery = 647.06/5 =129.4).

Results and Discussion

Water contamination caused by the presence of excessive amounts of nitrates washed out from inorganic fertilizers.The presence in water of harmful or objectionable material in sufficient quantity to measurably degrade water quality. The largest anthropogenic sources are septic tanks, application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers and agricultural processes Common sources of nitrate include fertilizers and manure, animal feedlots, municipal wastewater and sludge, septic systems, and N-fixation from atmosphere by legumes, bacteria and lightning.

Raibareli Road ( Nitrate)     
Raibareli Road ( Nitrate) Raibareli Road ( Nitrate)
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1. Kudha 10.712
2. Merai Kuera 7.592
3. Atrauli 1.456
4. Kankaha Gaon 13.52
5. Gadiyana 22.568
6. Sikandarpur 17.784
7.  Katua khera 14.248
8. Kesari khera 0.624
9.  Madhav khera 14.248
10.  Harkansh khera 32.448
11. Panchauri 43.784
12.  Hulas khera 1.352
13.  Ranjeet khera 11.336
14. Kankaha khera 3.432
15.  Badan khera 11.752

Kanpur Road (Nitrate)
Kanpur Road (Nitrate) Kanpur Road (Nitrate)
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1. Narayan khera 66.456
2. Hindu khera 126.568
3. Banthara 221.416
4. Kati bagi 83.616
5. Piparsand 138.112
6. Munna khera 179.504
7. Sarai sahjadi 115.96
8.  Ballu khera 78.52
9. Bauri khera 93.392
10. Balhe mau 201.968
11. Nidhaan 135.824
12. Gauri 162.448
13. Shiv pura 110.968
14. Shaikh pur 136.968
15. Bakhat khera 100.152

Sultanpur Road ( Nitrate)
Sultanpur Road ( Nitrate) Sultanpur Road ( Nitrate)
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1. Kasimpur biruha 12.896
2. Gusaiganj 33.488
3. Pancham purwa 61.152
4. Kasimpur 16.64
5. Nawabali purwa 76.856
6. Amirpur 212.68
7. Begaria 250.224
8. Sengta 4.888
9. Kabirpur 117.832
10. Bikauli 15.288
11. Pahar nagar 200.616
12. Malauli 15.08
13. Hardaspur 22.984
14. Salauli 47.32
15. Jahangirpur 18.512

Hardoi Road ( Nitrate)
Hardoi Road ( Nitrate) Hardoi Road ( Nitrate)
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1. Suspan 89.752
2. Thari 126.464
3. Gahdon 100.568
4. Maal 171.808
5. Dilwar nagar 123.344
6. Rahimabad 180.128
7. Jamolia 82.056
8. Kaitholia 59.8
9. Gopal pur 22.36
10. Mundiyana 173.888
11. Mahimakhera 54.704
12. Badkhorwa 127.712
13. Kamalauddin nagar 96.616
14. Ater 48.984
15. Malihabad 196.872

Raibareli Road ( Nitrite)  
Raibareli Road ( Nitrite) Raibareli Road ( Nitrite)
Click here to View figure
 
1. Kudha 0.0204
2. Merai Kuera 0.0137
3. Atrauli 0.0785
4. Kankaha Gaon 0.0121
5. Gadiyana 0.0198
6. Sikandarpur 0.492
7.  Katua khera 0.039
8. Kesari khera 0.072
9.  Madhav khera 0.0366
10.  Harkansh khera 0.0159
11. Panchauri 0.0433
12.  Hulas khera 0.0516
13.  Ranjeet khera 0.0084
14. Kankaha khera 0.0182
15.  Badan khera 0.0162

Kanpur Road (Nitrite)  
Kanpur Road (Nitrite) Kanpur Road (Nitrite)
Click here to View figure
 
1. Narayan khera 0.0412
2. Hindu khera 0.0244
3. Banthara 1.8998
4. Kati bagia 0.0384
5. Piparsand 0.0186
6. Munna khera 0.2583
7. Sarai sahjadi 0.0113
8. Ballu khera 0.0011
9. Bauri khera 0.0352
10. Balhe mau 0.0831
11. Nidhaan 0.0988
12. Gauri 0.0393
13. Shiv pura 0.2063
14. Shaikh pur 0.0089
15. Bakhat khera 0.1527

Sultanpur Road (Nitrite)
Sultanpur Road (Nitrite) Sultanpur Road (Nitrite)
Click here to View figure
 
1. Kasimpur biruha 0.0029
2. Gusaiganj 0.0195
3. Pancham purwa 0.0027
4. Kasimpur 0.0037
5. Nawabali purwa 0.1639
6. Amirpur 0.4413
7. Begaria 0.502
8. Sengta 0.0093
9. Kabirpur 0.0037
10. Bikauli 0.0067
11. Pahar nagar 0.0803
12. Malauli 0.002
13. Hardaspur 0.003
14. Salauli 0.0038
15. Jahangirpur 0.0175

Hardoi Road (Nitrite)
Hardoi Road (Nitrite) Hardoi Road (Nitrite)
Click here to View figure
 
1. Maal 0.0582
2. Dilwar nagar 0.0389
3.  Jamolia 0.083
4. Rahimabad 0.0203
5. Gopal pur 0.0147
6. Gahdon 0.0697
7. Thari 0.0794
8. Suspan 0.0377
9. Kaitholia 0.0012
10.  Malihabad 0.0114
11.  Ater 0.0699
12.  Badkhorwa 0.0258
13. Kamaaludi nnagar 0.0925
14. Mundiyana 0.0599
15. Mahimakhera 0.0738

The maximum level of Nitrate and Nitrite determined in ground water are found to be 250.224 mg/L (Begaria region) in Sultanpur road and 1.899 mg/L (Banthara region) in Kanpur road respectively. The enhanced levels of Nitrate and Nitrite may be due to excessive application of fertilizer, manures and irrigation.

Conclusion

The problems associated with water pollution have the capabilities to disrupt life on our planet to a great extent. No. of organizations including governmental and non-governmental are trying to combat water pollution thus acknowledging the fact that water pollution is, indeed a serious issue. But the government alone cannot solve the entire problem. It is ultimately up to us, to be informed, responsible and involved when it comes to the problems we face with our water. We must become familiar with our local water resources and learn about ways for disposing harmful household wastes so they do not end up in sewage treatment plants that cannot handle them or landfills not designed to receive hazardous materials. In our agricultural fields, we must determine whether additional nutrients are needed before fertilizers are applied, and look for alternatives where fertilizers might run off into surface waters. We have to preserve existing trees and plant new trees and shrubs to help prevent soil erosion and promote infiltration of water into the soil.As we head into the 21st century, awareness and education will most assuredly continue to be the two most important ways to prevent water pollution. If these measures are not taken and water pollution continues, life on earth will suffer severely. But the developed world must work with the developing world to ensure that new industrialized economies do not add to the world's environmental problems. Conservation strategies need to be become more widely accepted and priority need to give to restore quality and quantity of aquifers before it is too.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Head, Department of Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar (A Central) University Lucknow-226025 for providing facilities to this work.  Support to Ms Anjali Verma in the form of Ph.D. fellowship is gratefully acknowledged.

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