GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Nitrate contamination comes with health risks Nitrate contamination is a concern because contaminated drinking water can reduce the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. This can cause serious health problems, especially for infants.

Detailed explanation-2: -The environmental impacts of nitrate pollution include ecological and amenity damage to our rivers, lakes and coasts; higher costs, energy use and carbon emissions for drinking water treatment and long-term impacts for our groundwater.

Detailed explanation-3: -The main sources of nitrate in groundwater with concentrations above background concentrations are agricultural fertilisers, and human and animal wastes.

Detailed explanation-4: -Sources of nitrates include wastewater treatment plants, runoff from fertilized lawns and cropland, failing on-site septic systems, runoff from animal manure storage areas, and industrial discharges that contain corrosion inhibitors.