Study the Groundwater Nitrate Pollution in the Mian-Jungle Region, Fasa, Iran

Nitrate in high dosage may cause serious diseases for both human beings and animals. WHO has set 45 mg/l as the maximum permitted level for nitrate in drinking water. High concentrations of nitrate in drinking water of the Mian Jungle region of Fasa, located 120 km south east of Shiraz, caused inhabitants to avoid using groundwater as the source of drinking water. Main objectives of this study were i) to determine the main sources of nitrate in the groundwater and ii) to introduce a feasible nitrate removal method in the region. Monthly groundwater sampling were carried out from April 2010 to March 2011 for 15 sources including water wells and outcropped springs. Nitrate, EC, and pH were measured in situ, however remaining parameters were determined in the lab using standard methods. Amounts of nitrate changed from 3.1 mg/l to 259.4 mg/l in diferent times and locations in this region. Results showed that an internal and external background of nitrate in groundwater are originating from the geologic formations and the animal husbandry activities as the main sources.