Abstract Title
Analysis of Nitrate and Other Anions in Natural Water Sources of North Central Idaho
Additional Funding Sources
This project is supported by a 2019-2020 STEM Undergraduate Research Grant from the Higher Education Research Council. The project described was supported by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Grant No. P20GM103408.
Abstract
Nitrates in the water supply may cause cancer and birth defects when ingested. Nitrates are introduced to the water supply when farmers use fertilizer for their crops. The fertilizer contains high concentrations of nitrates. These nitrates are then able to enter various water sources via runoff from rain. Water samples from various water sources in North Central Idaho during early summer were collected. Nitrates and six other anions (Fluoride, Chloride, Nitrite, Bromide, Phosphate, and Sulfate) were analyzed using ion chromatography. Only Fluoride, Chloride, Nitrate, and Sulfate were detected in any of the samples. No amounts of nitrate analyzed exceeded the EPA MCL (maximum contaminant level) except for one site located in a small creek located in a valley between two farms. Therefore, analysis shows little risk of health danger for most water sources in North Central Idaho.
Analysis of Nitrate and Other Anions in Natural Water Sources of North Central Idaho
Nitrates in the water supply may cause cancer and birth defects when ingested. Nitrates are introduced to the water supply when farmers use fertilizer for their crops. The fertilizer contains high concentrations of nitrates. These nitrates are then able to enter various water sources via runoff from rain. Water samples from various water sources in North Central Idaho during early summer were collected. Nitrates and six other anions (Fluoride, Chloride, Nitrite, Bromide, Phosphate, and Sulfate) were analyzed using ion chromatography. Only Fluoride, Chloride, Nitrate, and Sulfate were detected in any of the samples. No amounts of nitrate analyzed exceeded the EPA MCL (maximum contaminant level) except for one site located in a small creek located in a valley between two farms. Therefore, analysis shows little risk of health danger for most water sources in North Central Idaho.