What Are Nitrates?
Found naturally in groundwater and surface water, usually at levels safe for human health.
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High concentrations may stem from chemical fertilisers, animal waste, or industrial runoff entering water sources.
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Seasonal increases can occur when rainfall disperses fertilisers into water bodies.
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Excessive nitrates can lower blood oxygen levels, posing health risks.
Associated with ‘blue baby’ syndrome in infants.
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Safe thresholds: 50 mg/L for nitrate (NO3) and 0.5 mg/L for nitrite (NO2).
How Are Nitrates Treated?
Treatment options include ion exchange resins, distillation, and reverse osmosis.
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Ion exchange resins are the most widely used and cost-efficient method.
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Nitrate-specific resins can remove up to 90% of nitrates.
Automated self-cleaning systems regenerate when capacity is reached.
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Regeneration involves sodium chloride (NaCl), utilising the chloride ion in the process.
