Abstract
Abstract Intensive use of fertilizers for the ever increasing farming and agro-industry have revolutionized crop production. At the same time, contribution of the nutrients such as nitrates from applied fertilizers to surface and ground water is a major concern. 15N isotope studies have shown that for most crops less than 10 per cent of applied fertilizer is lost by leaching and the major source of leached nitrates can originate from the soil organic reserves and mineralized nitrogen. The present study has been undertaken to assess the level of nitrate and to explore the possible source of the same in some of the villages around Delhi since most of the inhabitants of these villages use this water for drinking and domestic purposes. The ground water samples collected in May-July (Summer) 1996 and October-November (Autumn) 1996 and analyzed for major halides and oxy-ions using Ion Chromatography (DX-300, Ion Chromatography, USA). Results revealed that levels of nitrate concentration in ground water are above the maximum permissible limit (45 mg/L nitrate). One of the sources of nitrate is arable agriculture where the intensification of agricultural practices in the last two to three decades has increased causing nitrate leaching in soil-water systems. The distribution of nitrate in ground water is controlled by some of the hydro-meteorological factors like precipitation, irrigation, vegetation up-take, redox reaction, denitrification. The excessive concentration of nitrate in drinking water can cause methaemoglobinaemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants and stomach cancer in adults. It is now established that nitrate itself is not that toxic but its reduced species; nitrites were found to be more active biologically and are sources of concern for human health. The study provides information to the planners for management of water resources as well as for judicious application of fertilizers with special reference to nitrogenous, in order to prevent further deterioration of soil and ground water.
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