Nitrate Contamination of Groundwater

News: A report by the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) has found excessive nitrates in groundwater in 440 districts (as of 2023). 

Key findings of the report

• About 56% of India’s districts suffer from the problem of excessive nitrates in the groundwater. 
  • The study defines excessive nitrates in groundwater as more than 45mg per litre. 
• Out of the 15,239 groundwater samples collected for testing, 19.8% of them had nitrates concentration above the safe level. 
• The problem of nitrate concentration is particularly severe in the states of Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 
• A major issue of concern is that states in central and southern India (like Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh) are also showing a notable increase in nitrate contamination. 
• The major reason for nitrate contamination is overuse of subsidised synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers. 
• The report identifies fluoride and uranium as other major chemicals affecting the health of groundwater.