Nitrate Contamination of Groundwater

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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

Nitrate Pollution of Groundwater
Source- The Hindu
  • 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. 
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