Baby Drinking Water

Tips for the wisdom of water and Newsletter # 7

In this issue of Water Wisdom, we will discuss two important sources of drinking water contamination - nitrate nitrogen and nitrite. Because they are two forms of nitrogen, we'll take a look at how everyone can get into our drinking water some of the possible consequences of their presence.

Although nitrogen (N), is a very abundant representing nearly eighty percent of the air we breathe, we must monitor the different forms of nitrogen in drinking water. Both compounds, nitrates (NO3) and nitrite (NO2) are listed as primary contaminants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which means they can have a negative impact on our health. We get nitrate and nitrite nitrogen in water through many different sources such as the potential of poorly maintained facilities, sewage treatment, fertilizer, unlined manure piles, animal excreta (birds, fish, etc.), industrial waste, and decomposition. Huge pig farms in the Midwest and southern United States can significantly affect the water supply if the waste is not properly recorded. Flooding from the storm and rain can create seepage of nitrates and nitrites in streams, rivers and water, sometimes with devastating effects. contamination of nitrogen from agricultural runoff is the main reason that farms are required to line their manure storage areas.

Nitrite is a compound of nitrogen costs, or newly formed. The bacteria rapidly metabolize and convert nitrite to nitrate, nitrite is rarely found in drinking water analysis in the laboratory. How can nitrate affect our health? Well, we all know that there are nitrite in foods we eat, but there is a reason we do not want to drink water with high levels of nitrite - especially for pregnant women or infants. When nitrite is in contact with the hemoglobin in our blood it produces methemoglobin. Normally, hemoglobin carries oxygen via red blood cells throughout our body. Methemoglobin, however, prevents our red blood cells to carry oxygen. If a pregnant woman drinks too much water with high levels of nitrite, or to feed her baby three months or less, it runs a risk of producing a condition called methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome." By significantly reducing the capacity of transport of oxygen, it is not surprising when the state gets its name! Babies born with this condition came into the world like they are ready for an audition with the Blue Man Group! There is no laughing matter, however, because of serious liver disease can be fatal. The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrite in drinking water is 1.0 mg / L (milligrams per liter). Milligrams per liter is the same as parts per million.

Nitrate nitrogen is often found in sources of drinking water because of its prevalence in the environment. Nitrate levels are closely monitored because too much in a lake or stream can steal or deplete water of oxygen. High levels can kill fish and other organisms and make significant changes by turning the water anaerobic (without oxygen). The problem usually gets worse because nitrate is a nutrient or food source, which can feed algae to create conditions that are ripe for algae growth. When a body of water has reached this point, it may be known as eutrophication. Although we will put in another number, the nutrient that often, other great moments come into play in these scenarios is phosphorus.

We should be aware of drinking water with nitrate too, and a place that we often forget to do is check the back of our favorite bottled water. People who rely on bottled water seem to have their favorites. Just look on the back label and see what level of nitrates in your water is. If it is not clearly stated, you can call, write or email to bottling.