title: Contamination of nitrate in groundwater and its potential human health: a case study of lower Mae Klong river basin, Thailand.
abstract: Nitrate contamination in groundwater is a worldwide problem especially in agricultural countries. Environmental factors, such as land-use pattern, type of aquifer, and soil-drainage capacity, affect the level of contamination. Exposure to high levels of nitrate in groundwater may contribute to adverse health effects among residents who use groundwater for consumption. This study aimed to determine the relationship between nitrate levels in groundwater with land-use pattern, type of aquifer, and soil-drainage capacity, in Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province, lower Mae Klong basin, Thailand. Health risk maps were created based on hazard quotient to quantify the potential health risk of the residents using US Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) health risk assessment model. The results showed the influence of land-use patterns, type of aquifer, and soil-drainage capacity on nitrate contamination. It was found that most of the residents in the studied area were not at risk; however, a groundwater nitrate monitoring system should be implemented.
authors: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kampangsaen District, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand.
authors: Jaturong
authors: J
authors: Wongsanit
authors: Piyakarn
authors: P
authors: Teartisup
authors: Prapeut
authors: P
authors: Kerdsueb
authors: Prapin
authors: P
authors: Tharnpoophasiam
authors: Suwalee
authors: S
authors: Worakhunpiset
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture; D060587:Groundwater / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D009566:Nitrates / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D045483:Rivers; D013785:Thailand; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D060753:Water Quality
chemical_list: D009566:Nitrates; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical