Nitrates

The salts of nitric acid. Nitrates are used in particualr as a source of nitrogen for crops. Nitrates are readily soluble in water, and as such are eaily transported with the rain water into the surface water and the ground water. Nitrates are not themselves injurious to the health, although they can be reduced to form Nitrites in the digestive tract. In the case of infants in particular, this can lead to a reduction in the supply of oxygen t the brain (a condition known as Cyanosis). Furthermore, it is possible for carcinogenic Nitrosamines to be formes in the body from Nitrites and amines.

Intensive cultivation of the soil by agriculture, horticulture and forestry interests has resulted in an increase in the pollution of the groundwater and the Drinking Water with nitrates. As a countermeasure, the first line of defence must be to restrict the use of Fertilizers.