Association of nitrate, nitrite, and total organic carbon (TOC) in drinking water and gastrointestinal disease.

Samaneh Khademikia,Marjan Mansourian,Amir Modaberi,Zahra Rafiee,Mohammad Mehdi Amin,Parinaz Poursafa

doi:10.1155/2013/603468

Abstract

Objective. We aimed to investigate the amounts of nitrate, nitrite, and total organic carbon (TOC) in two drinking water sources and their relationship with some gastrointestinal diseases. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 in Iran. Two wells located in residential areas were selected for sampling and measuring the TOC, nitrate (NO3−), and nitrite (NO2−). This water is used for drinking as well as for industrial and agricultural consumption. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations of water samples were analyzed using DR 5000 spectrophotometer. The information of patients was collected from the records of the main referral hospital of the region for gastrointestinal diseases. Results. In both areas under study, the mean water nitrate and nitrite concentrations were higher in July than in other months. The mean TOC concentrations in areas 1 and 2 were 2.29 ± 0.012 and 2.03 ± 0.309, respectively. Pollutant concentration and gastrointestinal disease did not show any significant relationship (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Although we did not document significant association of nitrite, nitrate, and TOC content of water with gastrointestinal diseases, it should be considered that such health hazards may develop over time, and the quality of water content should be controlled to prevent different diseases.

Highlights

Nitrate is considered as the most prevalent chemical contaminant in the world’s groundwater
This study aimed to investigate the amounts of nitrate, nitrite, and total organic carbon (TOC) in two drinking water sources and the relationship of nitrate and nitrite levels with some gastrointestinal diseases
Results of descriptive analysis showed that the mean of nitrate and nitrite concentrations obtained in two areas was higher in July 2012 than in other months

Summary

Introduction

Nitrate is considered as the most prevalent chemical contaminant in the world’s groundwater. Organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen are converted to nitrate. The growing contamination of public and private well drinking water by nitrate is mostly because of the widespread use of commercial fertilizers and waste [1]. Groundwater is used for agricultural and industrial consumption as well as for drinking water. Humans have altered the nitrogen cycle dramatically over the last decades, and as a result, nitrate is increasingly accumulating in water resources. Groundwater and private and low depth wells have higher levels of nitrate. Fertilizers are most important contributing factor in agricultural areas; nitrogen from human waste seems to be an essential source in urban areas with deficient centralized water and sanitation systems [2]

Methods

Results

Conclusion