Nitrate associated health risks from groundwater of Kadava River Basin Nashik, Maharashtra, India

The present study was carried out to evaluate the nitrate contamination in groundwater and ascertain the associated health risks to rural populations in the agricultural area of the Kadava River basin. A total of (80) eighty representative samples from rural habitat located in agricultural fields were collected during pre- and postmonsoon seasons of 2011, which are mainly used for drinking and irrigation. The chemical results confirm that, 52.5 and 65% groundwater samples from pre- and postmonsoon season are unfit for drinking because of high nitrate contents exceeding the limit of nitrate (>45 mg L-1) recommended by the BIS. The oral and dermal exposure pathways were calculated for different age group based on US EPA and ICMR standards. HQ(1) is much higher than the critical limit of 1 which increases the risk from 92.5 to 95% groundwater samples, while value of HQ(2) is far below to the critical value of 1; hence, all age groups free from risk. THQ values depicts that, children were at greater risk followed by infants and adults. Therefore, it is immensely important to regulate the use of nitrogen complex fertilizer and groundwater management practices should be implemented to prevent the associated risks to human health.