Nitrates

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Fax: 231-947-8579

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Nitrate is colorless, odorless, tasteless, very stable and easily dissolves in water. It moves with water and can migrate for miles from its source. Nitrates can occur naturally in water at low levels. Plants use nitrates as a nutrient. Most nitrates consumed by humans come from dietary raw or cooked vegetables, with few known health effects. In high levels when microorganisms break down fertilizers, animal waste, wastewater or septic seepage, urban drainage or decaying plants.

Health Effects of Nitrates in Water

Water high in nitrates that is ingested by infants, pregnant women, adults with low stomach acidity or people with a certain enzyme deficiency can cause methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” as the ingested nitrates are converted to nitrites in the body. This reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and severe cases result in brain damage or death. The EPA standard is less than 10 parts per million (ppm).