Essay, Research Paper
Nitrate Contamination of Groundwater Poses a Serious Health Threat Nitrates contamination of the world’s underground water supply poses asa potentially serious health hazard to the human inhabitants on earth.High nitrate levels found in well water has been proven to be the cause fornumerous health conditions across the globe. If we intend to provide forthe future survival of man, and life on planet earth, we must take actionnow to assure the quality of one of our most precious resources, ourunderground water supply. Ground water can be defined as the water stored in the open spaceswithin underground rocks and unconsolidated material (Monroe and Wicander420). Ground water is one of the numerous parts that make up thehydrologic cycle. The primary source of water in underground aquifers isprecipitation that infiltrates the ground and moves through the soil andpore spaces of rocks (Monroe and Wicander 420). There are also othersources that add water to the underground aquifer that include: waterinfiltrating from lakes and streams, recharge ponds, and wastewatertreatment systems. As groundwater moves through the soil, sediment, androcks, many of its impurities are filtered out. Take note, however, thatsome, not all, soils and rocks are good filters. Some are better thanothers and in some cases, serious pollutants are not removed from the waterbefore it reaches the underground supply. Now that we have a good working definition of what groundwater is, andwhere it comes from, just how important is it? Groundwater makes up about22% of the worlds supply of fresh water. Right now, groundwater accountsfor 20% of all the water used annually in the United States. On a nationalaverage, a little more than 65% of the groundwater in the United Stateseach year goes to irrigation, with industrial use second, and third isdomestic use (Monroe and Wicander 420). Some states are more dependent ongroundwater for drinking than others. Nebraska and the corn belt statesrely on underground water for 85% of their drinking needs, and in Florida90% of all drinking water comes from underground aquifers (Funk and Wagnall2). People on the average in the United States require more than 50gallons of water each day for personal and household uses. These includedrinking, washing, preparing meals and removing waste. A bath in a bathtubuses approximately 25 gallons of water and a shower uses about l5 gallonsper minute of water flow while the shower runs. Just to sustain humantissue requires about 2.5 quarts of water per day. Most people drink abouta quart of water per day, getting the rest of the water they need from foodcontent. Most of the foods we eat are comprised mostly of water: forexample, eggs, are about 74% water, watermelon 92%, and a piece of leanmeat about 70%. Most of the beverages we drink are also mostly comprisedof water, like milk, coffee, tea and soft drinks. And the single largestconsumer of water in the United States, is agriculture. In dry areas,farmers must irrigate their lands to grow crops. It is estimated that inthe United States, more than 100 billion gallons of fresh water are usedeach day for the irrigation of croplands (Funk and Wagnall 2). Since agriculture is the leading user of our groundwater, perhaps itis fitting, that it is also the biggest contributor of contaminatingnitrates that work into our water supply each year. Agriculture andlivestock production account for 80% of all nitrogen added to theenvironment ( Terry, et al. 1996). Industrial fertilizers make up 53%,animal manure 27%, atmosphere 14%, and point source 6% (Puckett, 1994).Just how do these nitrates get from the field into our water supply? Thereare two primary reasons that nitrate contaminates reach our undergroundwater supply and make it unsafe. Number one reason is farmer’s bad habitsof consistently over- fertilizing and applying too much nitrogen to thesoil. In 1995 America’s agricultural producers added 36 billion pounds ofnitrogen into the environment, 23 billion pounds of supplemental industrialnitrogen, and 13 billion pounds of extra nitrogen in the form of animalmanure. Twenty percent of this nitrogen was not used by the crops it wasintended. This accounts for about 7-8 billion pounds of excess nitrogenremaining in the environment where much of it has eventually entered thereservoirs, rivers, and groundwater that supply us with our drinking water(NAS 1995). The number two reason these contaminants reach our groundwatersupply runs parallel with the first. Over-irrigation causes the leaching ofthese nitrates past the plants root zone where they can be taken in by
crops and used effectively. Not all soils are the same and all havedifferent drainage characteristics. Soils with as higher amount of sandand gravel are going to filter liquids down to the aquifer faster thansoils comprised of more silty finer sorted particles. Today’s farmers notonly need to know when it is time to irrigate, they also need to know howmuch and for how long. When the two problems are added together,over-fertilization, and over-irrigation, the potential for harmful nitratecontamination runs terrifyingly high. Just how harmful are nitrates in our drinking water? Nitrates levelsthat exceed the Federal standard level of 10 parts per million can cause acondition known as Methemoglobinemia, or Blue Baby Syndrome in infants.Symptoms of Methemoglobinemia include anoxic appearance, shortness ofbreath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in more extreme cases,loss of consciousness and even death. Approximately seven to ten percentof Blue Baby Syndrome cases result in death of the infant (HAS 1977,Johnson et al. 1987). When nitrate is ingested it is converted intoanother chemical form, nitrate. Nitrate then reacts with hemoglobin, theproteins responsible for transporting oxygen in the body, converting themto methemoglobin, a form that is incapable of carrying oxygen. As aresult, the victim suffers from oxygen deprivation, or more commonlystated, the individual slowly suffocates (HAS 1977, Johnson et al. 1987).Although, Methemoglobinemia is the most immediate life-threatening effectof nitrate exposure, there are a number of equally serious longer-term,chronic impacts. In numerous studies, exposure to high levels of nitratein drinking water has been linked to a variety of effects ranging fromhypertrophy (enlargement of the thyroid) to 15 types of cancer, two kindsof birth defects, and even hypertension (Mirvish 1991). Since 1976 therehave been at least 8 different epidemeology studies conducted in 11different countries that show a definite relationship between increasingrates of stomach cancer and increasing nitrate intake (Hartmann, 1983;Mirvish 1983). The facts speak for themselves, increasing levels ofnitrates in our groundwater are slowly poisoning our society. We have only discussed contamination of our groundwater supply bynitrates through the misuse of resources involved in agriculture. Be awarethat there are hundreds of other substances and practices that add to thefurther contamination of our groundwater every day. Time does not allowfor an in-depth analysis of all aquifer contaminates in this paper,however, I would like to mention a few that are at the top of the list justbriefly. Storm water runoff. Streets and parking lots contain manypollutants including oils, greases, heavy metals and coliform, that canenter groundwater directly through sinkholes and drainage wells.Pesticides and herbicides can end up in the water supply much the same wayas do nitrates. Septic tanks that are improperly or poorly maintained, cancontaminate groundwater. Underground storage tanks, hazardous wastesites,landfills, abandoned wells, accidents and illegal dumping all threaten thequality of our drinking water. We must be aware of the potential hazardsand take measures to ensure the safety of our drinking water supply forgenerations to come. What can we do to prevent unnecessary contamination of ourgroundwater? Farmers will and must continue to use nitrogen fertilizer.They do not, however, need to overuse it. By following a few simpleguidelines, such as accounting for all sources of nitrogen in the system,refining estimates of crop nitrogen requirements, synchronizing applicationof nitrogen with crop needs, using nitrogen soil tests, and practicing goodwater management, farmers can not only help keep our aquifers safe fromcontamination, but can probably enjoy the same yields as before and spendless money on fertilizer, thus increasing their net profits, (Halberg etal. 1991, Iowa State University 1993). How about the rest of us? What canwe do to help drinking water safe? There are many hazardous substancesaround the house that frequently need disposal. Please don’t dump them onthe ground, pour them down the drain, and always use fertilizers andchemicals in moderation. Take proper care and maintenance of your septicsystem at all times. Finally, when in doubt, ask. Many areas have localAmnesty Days. For information or to request an Amnesty Day, call yourlocal public works department. Nitrate contamination poses a serious health threat to all of us.Each of us uses a little more than 50 gallons of fresh water every day.When all our fresh water is contaminated beyond use, our world will not bea pleasant environment to live in. We must all act now to maintain a freshwater system that will be capable of sustaining us, and many generationsinto the future.
Другие работы по теме:
War Essay Research Paper
"The 20th century has been dominated by the machine gun, the tank, the B-52 bomber, the nuclear bomb and, finally, the missile. It has been distinguished by the bloodiest and
Cause The Parasite Giardia Lamblia
Essay, Research Paper How spread: Drinking contaminated water Areas of risk: Common anywhere there is contamination of surface or domestic water. Commonly spread through day cares of underdeveloped countries. Outbreaks have occurred in cities where water is not properly treated.
Copper In Nitric Acid Essay Research Paper
3 Cu + 8 HNO3 –* 3 Cu (NO3)2 + 2 NO + 4 H2O The balanced equation seen on the top is what you attain when you place copper metal in concentrated nitric acid. In this process the identifiable characteristics of the metal will be completely changed and a new substance, cupric nitrate, will be formed. Copper forms two series of chemical compounds: cuprous, and cupric.
Compounds Of The SBlock Elements Essay Research
Paper `We are provided with 3 salts X, Y and Z which contain a different s-block element. We are to carry out the reactions listed below and report the observations and deductions in the table.1.
Brunelleschi And Ghiberti In Early Rennaissance Essay
, Research Paper The competition panels by Brunelleschi and Ghiberti were made in Early Rennaissance. They were two of the seven works that competed for the series of doors for the Florentine Baptistery. The subject for the competition doors was the story of how the faith of the patriarch Abraham was tested by God, who asked him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.
Please Essay Research Paper aquifer while rain
Please Essay, Research Paper aquifer while rain falling onto the shoreline regions recharges the shallow aquifers system only. Earlier studies of the groundwater flow potentials at a Brookhaven landfill found that there was little to no , 1995). The town maintains a monitoring network in multi-well clusters in the vicinity of the landfill.
Haber Process Essay Research Paper HABER PROCESSYou
Haber Process Essay, Research Paper HABER PROCESS You are to develop a new industrial plant in the area and a committee has decided that a new ammonia facility is to be built. This plant will use the Haber process in the ammonia production. The ammonia will eventually be used in the production of ammonium nitrate fertilizer.
Drinking Water Contamination Essay Research Paper Due
Drinking Water Contamination Essay, Research Paper Due to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), America’s drinking water is safer than it has been in decades, and of better quality than that of many other countries. Accordingly, many Americans believe that while people elsewhere may have reason to be concerned about getting sick from contaminated tap water, we are safe.
Goundwater Essay Research Paper INTRODUCTIONAlthough 70 percent
Goundwater Essay, Research Paper INTRODUCTION Although 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, 97 percent of it is contained in the oceans and is too salty to drink (Cunningham and Saigo, 1992). Therefor, fresh water is a precious resource that in some areas of the world is so scarce, that people will fight wars over it.
Ground Water Environmental Geography Essay Research Paper
Western Carolina University The Importance of Ground Water Environmental Geography 150 29 November 2000 Justin Bono Many people assume that water is an unlimited natural resource. Is this true? Although water appears abundant, recent circumstances indicate that it is seriously vulnerable to pollution and depletion.
Swine Farming Essay Research Paper The coastal
Swine Farming Essay, Research Paper The coastal plains of North Carolina is characterized by flat land, wide rivers, beautiful and diverse ecology and rich agricultural soils, however many environmental pollutants are defiling this fragile ecosystem. There are several factors that are associated with the destruction of the coastal plains ecosystem, but there is one factor that stands out more than all the others.
None Essay Research Paper n the discourse
None Essay, Research Paper n the discourse between Plato and Parmenides, Parmenides tell Plato that f Forms do not exist then philosophers wont be able to fix their thoughts on anything: because they won t be able to describe or assign any particular characteristic to anything and wont be able to communicate with each other.
Water Analysis Essay Research Paper Methods of
Water Analysis Essay, Research Paper Methods of Freshwater Analysis: Temperature pH Clarity Suspended Sediments Biotic Index Trent / BMWP Nitrate Level Phosphates Level Ammonia Concentration Visual Description Dissolved Oxygen Bacteria Counts Total Solids Chloride Concentration Iron Concentration Winkler Method of Oxygen Content 1.
How North Carolina Is Affected By Water
Pollution Essay, Research Paper HOW NORTH CAROLINA IS EFFECTED ECONOMICALLY BY WATER POLLUTION About 80% of the State s surveyed freshwater rivers and streams have good water quality that fully supports aquatic life uses, 17% have fair water quality that partially supports aquatic life uses, and 3% have poor water quality that does not support aquatic life uses.
A Civil Action Essay Research Paper A
A Civil Action Essay, Research Paper A Civil Action A Civil Action is a story about a personal injury case involving the people of Woburn, Massachusetts. This book is based on a true story told from the plaintiff lawyer’s perspective. This book dramatizes a complex environmental trial in 1986 in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Pyrotechnics Essay Research Paper PYROTECHNICSPyrotechnics special effects
Pyrotechnics Essay, Research Paper PYROTECHNICS Pyrotechnics special effects are widely used in motion picture production to create all types of effects involving explosions, fires, light, smoke and sound concussions. The types of pyrotechnics materials used include flash powder, flash paper, gun cotton, black powder (gunpowder), smokeless powder, detonator explosives, and many more.
Chemical And Phisical Changes Essay Research Paper
Title:Chemical and Physical Changes. Purpose:To determine the differences between chemical and physical changes when they happen. Materials: Five test tubes, Bunsen burner, crucible, test tube holder, triple beam balance, ring stand, triangle, evaporation dish, wood splint, copper turnings, copper (II) nitrate, dilute nitric acid, Ba(NO3)2, Na2CrO4, FeCl3, KSCN, AgNO3, ammonium dichromate, safety goggles, and matches.
Ammonium Nitrate Essay Research Paper Ammonium NitrateAmmonium
Ammonium Nitrate Essay, Research Paper Ammonium Nitrate Ammonium Nitrate (AN), NH4NO3, has a molecular weight of 80.05. It does not occur in nature. This white crystalline solid was first described in 1659 by Gauber who called it Nitram flammens because it produced a yellow flame when burned due to traces of sodium in his samples.
Early Synthetic Polymers Essay Research Paper Early
Early Synthetic Polymers Essay, Research Paper Early Synthetic Polymers Polymers have been around longer than we have. In fact, polymers are as old as life itself, as all life on earth is based on three types of polymers, namely DNA, RNA, and proteins. But this report is about some of the earliest synthetic polymers, that is, polymers made by humans, specifically, the cellulose derivatives.
Clean Air Act Essay Research Paper 1990
Clean Air Act Essay, Research Paper 1990, the federal Clean Air Act was passed to improve air quality in the United States. President Bush’s proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act initially would have led to the introduction of alternative, non-petroleum fuels. The petroleum and oxygenate industries responded by offering a reformulated gasoline program as a substitute for most of the alternate fuel proposals.
Water Essay Research Paper Fresh water is
Water Essay, Research Paper Fresh water is one of our most important natural resources because it’s needed for survival and there is no substitute for it. Unlike energy, which has many alternative forms there are no alternatives for water. Most of our earth is covered by water, but only a tiny amount is available for fresh water.
Chemical Equilibria Essay Research Paper Darryl FaganPd
Chemical Equilibria Essay, Research Paper Darryl Fagan Pd. 4 01-20-00 AP Chemistry An Activity Series Chemistry Lab 5 Introduction; In this experiment you will study some metals and some nonmetals to find their relative reactivity. A ranking according to reactivity is called an activity series. For example, an activity series containing the elements calcium, gold and iron would put the reactive calcium at the top, iron in the middle, and the unreactive gold at the bottom.
Pollution 4 Essay Research Paper PollutionAs time
Pollution 4 Essay, Research Paper Pollution As time advances pollution is every where, humans more and more rely on machines to live their lives. Machines like cars and trucks, airplanes, computer; all of which produce some kind of pollution. Maybe air, water, and even noise pollution are cause by these machines.
Ground Water In Ontario Essay Research Paper
As nations around the globe enter the 21st century, one of the most pressing concerns facing each is the notion of sustainable development. Sustainable development, simply put, refers to maintaining a rate of industrialization which minimizes the destruction of the environment. And while issues such as the price and accessibility of crude oil dominate trade talks and newspaper headlines, there is an ever-more important concern emerging: access to water.
Phytoremediation Essay Research Paper IntroductionIn recent years
Phytoremediation Essay, Research Paper Introduction: In recent years it has become clear that some environmental chemicals can cause risks to the developing embryo and fetus. Evaluating the developmental toxicity of environmental chemicals is now a prominent public health concern. The suspected association between TCE and congenital cardiac malformations warrants special attention because TCE is a common drinking water contaminant that is detected in water supplies throughout the U.S. and the world.
Water Pollution Essay Research Paper Water PollutionWater
Water Pollution Essay, Research Paper Water Pollution Water pollution has been an increasing problem over the last few years. Pollution itself is when a substance or energy is introduced into the soil, air, or water in a concentrate. Pollution comes in many forms; agricultural, urban runoff, industrial, sedimentary, animal wastes, and leeching from landfills/septic systems just to name a few.
Old Man By The Sea Essay Research
Paper “The great DiMaggio is himself again!”(21), in Ernest Hemingway’s novel, The Old Man and the Sea, which takes place near Havana, Cuba in the Caribbean Sea, a very old, unlucky, fisherman sets out for the big catch. The great DiMaggio is seamed throughout the novel to symbolize the old man and his struggle to catch the big fish, yet also he poses as a role model for Santiago (the old man).
Bioremediation Technologies For Petroleum Impacted Essay Research
Executive Summary In this consideration of bioremediation technologies for petroleum-impacted sites, McDuff Inc. found two technologies fitting to Three Rivers Industries needs. These were Regenesis Bioremediation Products Oxygen Release Compound and NESA and Associates Precision Enhanced Natural Attenuation system.
Black Panthers Essay Research Paper
.; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; .; ; Use of Nitrogen as a Fertilizer In 1898, the president of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Sir William Crookes, startled a distinguished scientific audience when he declared during his presidential address that “England and all civilized nations stand in deadly peril of not having enough to eat.” The deadly peril that Sir William foresaw was the inability of farmers to satisfy the increasing demand for food given current supplies of nitrogen.
Pollution Essay Research Paper Pollution What is
Pollution Essay, Research Paper Pollution. What is pollution? According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary pollution is ?the action of polluting esp. by environmental contamination with man-made waste.? The United States runs on power. Much of the United States? powers come from various nuclear power plants all across the country.
Social Promotion Essay Research Paper is TCETCE
Social Promotion Essay, Research Paper is TCE? TCE is a nonflammable liquid it is colorless. It has a sweet odor and a sweet burning taste. TCE does not occur naturally in the environment. It is an artificial compound. It is produced synthetically from 1,2-dichloroethane. And stabilizers are added to the marketed product.
Water Essay Research Paper Water
Water Essay, Research Paper Water Fresh water is one of our most important natural resources becauseit’s needed for survival and there is no substitute for it. Unlike energy,which has many alternative forms there are no alternatives for water. Mostof our earth is covered by water, but only a tiny amount is available forfresh water.
The Inhibitory Effects Of A Me Essay
, Research Paper The inhibitory effects of a mercury compound, silver nitrate, and copper sulfate on Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Pseudomonas putida