nitrogen in ammonia. As nitrogen is a vital element for the plant growth, farmers
apply a large number of nitrogenous fertilizers for the better yield but there is an
imbalance between plant uptake and nitrate availability, such as application of
fertilizers when it cannot be taken by plant or may be planted density is too low to
absorb the nitrate, then the excess fertilizer not used by plant may get concentrated
during evaporation, later contaminate the aquifer by seepage [22]. Numerous
human induced actions the use of nitrogenous manure, community wastewater,
septic system seepage, urban drainage discard, reject dumps, sewage ejection,
industrial effluents, polluted ground, polluted sanitation performs, landfills, animal
waste, and soluble nitrogen compounds contained by geologic materials—make
worse the nitrate pollution [23]. The urine and dung of farming animals like cows
and buffaloes [24] and deprived casings [25] have also been associated to nitrate
pollution in shallow groundwater.
High values of nitrate in water are connected with health troubles like methemoglobinemia in newborns which may cause mortality by asphyxiation and
stomach cancer in adults. NO 3 goes to reaction with amines and amides in the
human body and forms cancer-causing nitroso compounds [26–28]. Higher nitrate
incoming human body via water can cause birth imperfections and gastrointestinal
diseases [29]. Nitrate toxicity in human increases by frequent boiling of nitrate-rich
water for drinking, preparation of dry milk powder with high nitrate-containing
water, and weaning with nitrate-rich vegetables [30].
Phosphate ( PO 4
3À )
PO 4 is a vital nutrient for plants, animals and human. It is available in three forms,
that is organic phosphorous (associated with organic molecules), orthophosphate and
polyphosphates. In few water bodies, the value of phosphorus is small adequately to
limit the growth of algae and/or aquatic plants. In this matter, researchers state that
phosphorus is the restrictive nutrient. Therefore, eutrophication and water excellence
is sustained by calculating the access of the PO 4 [31]. Natural disintegration of rocks
and minerals, farming discharge, erosion and sedimentation and through input by
animals is the non point sources, while point sources are sewage wastewater and
industrial effluents [32]. A little concentration of PO 4 may boost the development of
algae and aquatic plants directing to eutrophication of the aqueous ecosystem. PO 4 in
water may cause algal bloom development in water bodies [33, 34].
3.2 Halogens
Commonly, halides present in natural water are chloride, fluoride, bromide and
iodide. These ions are highly soluble and present in all natural water sources i.e.
lake, streams, rivers and groundwater. The source of halides includes hard rock
weathering, industrial runoff, pesticides and fertilizers etc. Chloride and bromide
46
S. Madhav et al.
apply a large number of nitrogenous fertilizers for the better yield but there is an
imbalance between plant uptake and nitrate availability, such as application of
fertilizers when it cannot be taken by plant or may be planted density is too low to
absorb the nitrate, then the excess fertilizer not used by plant may get concentrated
during evaporation, later contaminate the aquifer by seepage [22]. Numerous
human induced actions the use of nitrogenous manure, community wastewater,
septic system seepage, urban drainage discard, reject dumps, sewage ejection,
industrial effluents, polluted ground, polluted sanitation performs, landfills, animal
waste, and soluble nitrogen compounds contained by geologic materials—make
worse the nitrate pollution [23]. The urine and dung of farming animals like cows
and buffaloes [24] and deprived casings [25] have also been associated to nitrate
pollution in shallow groundwater.
High values of nitrate in water are connected with health troubles like methemoglobinemia in newborns which may cause mortality by asphyxiation and
stomach cancer in adults. NO 3 goes to reaction with amines and amides in the
human body and forms cancer-causing nitroso compounds [26–28]. Higher nitrate
incoming human body via water can cause birth imperfections and gastrointestinal
diseases [29]. Nitrate toxicity in human increases by frequent boiling of nitrate-rich
water for drinking, preparation of dry milk powder with high nitrate-containing
water, and weaning with nitrate-rich vegetables [30].
Phosphate ( PO 4
3À )
PO 4 is a vital nutrient for plants, animals and human. It is available in three forms,
that is organic phosphorous (associated with organic molecules), orthophosphate and
polyphosphates. In few water bodies, the value of phosphorus is small adequately to
limit the growth of algae and/or aquatic plants. In this matter, researchers state that
phosphorus is the restrictive nutrient. Therefore, eutrophication and water excellence
is sustained by calculating the access of the PO 4 [31]. Natural disintegration of rocks
and minerals, farming discharge, erosion and sedimentation and through input by
animals is the non point sources, while point sources are sewage wastewater and
industrial effluents [32]. A little concentration of PO 4 may boost the development of
algae and aquatic plants directing to eutrophication of the aqueous ecosystem. PO 4 in
water may cause algal bloom development in water bodies [33, 34].
3.2 Halogens
Commonly, halides present in natural water are chloride, fluoride, bromide and
iodide. These ions are highly soluble and present in all natural water sources i.e.
lake, streams, rivers and groundwater. The source of halides includes hard rock
weathering, industrial runoff, pesticides and fertilizers etc. Chloride and bromide
46
S. Madhav et al.