Recurrent Diarrhea in Children Living in Areas with High Levels of Nitrate in Drinking Water

Abstract

Given that there was documented evidence of an association between diarrhea and high nitrate ingestion, the authors examined drinking water nitrate concentration and its possible correlation(s) with methemoglobin levels, cytochrome b5 reductase activity, and recurrent diarrhea. In addition, the authors studied histopathological changes in the intestines of rabbits in an animal model. Five village areas were studied, and nitrate concentrations (expressed in mg of nitrate per liter of water) of 26, 45, 95, 220, and 459 existed in the respective villages. The study included 88 randomly selected children who were 8 yr of age or younger; they represented 10% of the total population of each of the areas. Detailed histories of recurrent diarrhea were noted, and medical examinations were conducted. Cytochrome b5 reductase activity and methemoglobin levels were estimated biochemically. Collected data were analyzed statistically with Microsoft Excel software. In addition, the authors exposed rabbits to various levels of nitrate, and histopathological changes of the stomach and intestine (small and large) were evaluated. There was a strong relationship between nitrate concentration and recurrent diarrhea; 80% of the recurrent diarrhea cases were explained by nitrate concentration alone. In the rabbit intestines, lymphocytic infiltration and hyperplasia characterized the submucosa as nitrate concentrations increased.

In Vivo Cytogenotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Induced by Electronic Waste Leachate and Contaminated Well Water

“…In developing countries including Nigeria, there are confirmations that harmful chemicals and microorganisms from unsanitary dumpsites are introduced into adjacent surface and ground waters used as drinking water by communities [28,29]. Epidemiological data from consumption of unsafe water showed increased risk of nephrotoxicity, cancer and central nervous system defects [30,31]. Exposure to chemicals through drinking contaminated water is capable of inducing DNA damage and enhancing genetic changes in somatic cells that can result in decreased cell survival or transformation and eventual reproductive abnormalities and cancer formation in organisms [32,33].…”

Daily Nitrates and Nitrites Intake by Inhabitants in Beni-Mellal Region (Morocco) Ingesta Diaria De Nitratos Y Nitritos Por Los Habitantes De La Región De Beni-Mellal (Marruecos) Inxesta Diaria De Nitratos E Nitritos Polos Habitantes Da Rexión De Beni-Mellal (Marruecos)

“…This water, in rural zones is used as drinking water and thus their pollution by nitrates could represent a threat for human health. In this subject, many studies showed the existence of relation between the consumption of nitrates in the water and the appearance of certain diseases such as: methemoglobinemia (Fan and Steinberg, 1996), goitre (Gatseva et al, 1998;Vladeva et al, 2000), gastric cancer (Gilli et al, 1984;MoralesSuarez-Varela et al, 1995) as well as respiratory (Gupta et al, 2000) and digestive (Gupta et al, 2001) complications. These effects, for the majority, were induced with nitrate amounts in water exceeding the standard set by WHO, i.e 50 mg/l (1998).…”

Assessing the organic pollution of surface water of Medjerda watershed (NE Algeria)

“…Nitrate and phosphate pollution of surface water is of high concern as it may have negative impacts on water supply and ecosystems. High nitrate concentrations in water serving as a source for drinking water is a serious health problem, being known for many years as the cause of blue baby syndrome (Comly 1945;Gelberg et al 1999) and related to increased levels of diarrhoea of children (Gupta 2001).…”