Anthropogenic nitrate contamination of water resources in Ethiopia: an overview

Abstract

Nitrate is one of the water contaminants that mainly results from anthropogenic activities. The major causes of nitrate contamination of water resources are anthropogenic activities such as animal or human waste, septic or sewage systems, fertilizer application, concentrated animal farming, industrial waste, and landfill leachates. These man-made activities are the primary sources of nitrate contamination in water resources. Nitrate contamination of water is a global issue that has been increasing over time. According to previous research, exposure to nitrate in water above the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limit (50 mg of NO3/L) has been found to induce major health effects such as methemoglobinemia in humans, with the severity depending on the amount consumed. This problem has become a major threat to humans and the environment. Thus, this article presented an overview of nitrate contamination of water resources in Ethiopia, emphasizing anthropogenic activities to indicate the current nitrate water contamination status for the necessary remedial actions.