Assessment of nitrate concentration in groundwater in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Contamination of groundwater by nitrate is considered a global problem. Nitrates are introduced in the groundwater from a variety of sources like agricultural activities, poor sewer system, wastewaters, and industrial activities. In the present research, a survey of wells (n = 1,060) was undertaken in all 13 regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assess the contained nitrate (NO(3)) levels. The results indicated variation in nitrate levels from 1.1 to 884.0 mg/L as NO(3) throughout the Kingdom. The average nitrate levels in milligrams per liter as NO(3) were as follows in descending order: 65.7 (Jizan), 60.3 (Asir), 60.0 (Qassim), 51.3 (Hail), 41.8 (Makkah Al Mukaramma), 41.3 (Madina Al Munnawara), 38.0 (Al Baha), 37.0 (Najran), 30.7, (Tabouk), 25.2 (Eastern Province), 18.8 (Riyadh), 15.8 (Al Jouf), and 9.1 (Hadwed Shamalyah). The results indicated that nitrate levels exceeded the maximum contaminant limits for drinking water (45 mg/L as NO(3)) in a number of wells (n = 213) in different regions of the Kingdom. The maximum and minimum wells exceeding the maximum contaminant limits for nitrate in drinking water were in Jizan (52.6%) and Hadwed Shamalyah (4.9%), respectively. Most of the wells which exceeded the maximum allowed limits for nitrate were in the areas which were used for agricultural and residential purposes.

Enhancing Nitrate Removal from Waters with Low Organic Carbon Concentration Using a Bioelectrochemical System—A Pilot-Scale Study

“…Studies have shown that excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture and insufficient sewer systems are causing surface and groundwater pollution globally [1,2]. Assessments of groundwater aquifers made in Portugal, Iran, Saudi Arabia, France, and other countries have shown that in many cases, nitrate (NO 3 − ) concentrations are exceeding the safe drinking water threshold of 50 mg NO 3 − L −1 , which is specified by the World Health Organization [3][4][5][6][7][8]. High NO 3 − concentrations in surface water and groundwater are causing environmental problems, such as eutrophication [9], and since NO 3 − becomes toxic to humans at concentrations of 50 mg NO 3 − L −1 and above, this relates to health issues like methemoglobinemia and cancer [2,8].…”

Comprehensive assessment of fertiliser-linked environmental externalities and its key determinants: IWRM approach

“…The quality of water deteriorates with heavy metals, nitrate and radioactive elements present in it (Camargo and Alonso, 2006;Nikolaidis et al, 2008). There have been numerous instances of high nitrate level in groundwater across the world due to the agricultural activities (Alabdula'aly et al, 2010;Bernhard et al, 1992;Levallois et al, 1998;Spalding et al, 2001;Wang et al, 2015;Zhang et al, 1996). Several cases of high concentration of nitrate exceeding the threshold limit of 50 mg l -1 for drinking water have been reported in countries like the UK, Denmark, Belgium, France, the USA and India (Agrawal et al, 1999;Banks and Soldal, 2002;Fried, 1991;Hudak, 2000;Strebel et al, 1989;Nolan et al, 1997;Singh et al, 2006;Wakida and Lerner, 2005).…”

Groundwater Characteristics and Pollution Assessment Using Integrated Hydrochemical Investigations GIS and Multivariate Geostatistical Techniques in Arid Areas

“…It reflects mainly nitrate impact. However, contamination by wastewater was recorded from pit latrines, leakage from the unrehabilitated sewage system, and to some extent animal feedlots and dairies, especially in the high-density housing settlements in Sabya and Jazan cites (Alabdula'aly et al 2010). It is observed that shallow wells contain higher nitrate than deeper ones.…”