Abstract

The occurrence of high nitrate levels in groundwater has to be recognized as a threat to humans and animals.
Infant methaemoglobinaemia and nitrate poisoning of livestock occur at unexpected times and places. An
important reason is that nitrate concentrations are variable, particularly under extreme climatic conditions. All
instances of nitrate pollution related to anthropogenic sources can be managed to reduce or eliminate nitrogen
inputs and for protecting groundwater resources. Hence the purpose of this paper is to present the facts related
to the health hazard, describe processes leading to nitrate pollution of groundwater, and to present strategies to
eliminate nitrate pollution.