Nitrate Concentration (NO3-) in Groundwater of the Urban Area of Nova Mamoré - Rondônia in the Brazil / Bolivia Border

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the concentration of N nitrate (NO3 -) in the urban groundwater of Nova Mamoré on the Brazil / Bolivia border. Method: Data were collected from 40 water samples according to Standard Methods for the Examination for Water and Wasterwater along with the methodology proposed in the Water Sample Collection and Preservation Guide of the Environmental Sanitation Technology Company (CETESB). The sites were georeferenced using the Global Positioning System (GPS). For nitrate measurement, the spectrophotometry method was used, using Spectrophotometer, brand Micronal B495. The chemical reagents used were manufactured by Alfatecnoquímica and made available in two vials called reagents 1 and 2 (nitrate reagent). Results: The urban groundwater used by the population of Nova Mamoré for human consumption and other utilities is impacted by high levels of N nitrate (NO3-). Seventy - three percent (73%) of the sample presents levels> 10 mg/L of nitrate. These sites constitute urban areas of high environmental risk to human health, a public health issue. Only 17% presented levels <10 mg/L of nitrate. Only 7.5% of the samples are less than 3 mg/L of nitrate. Conclusions: The high concentration of nitrate in urban groundwater in cities in the Brazilian Amazon puts at risk the health of a large part of the population that supplies this type of water resources for human consumption. It alerts itself to a public health issue.