Nitrate in water, soil, plants and animals (A viewpoint)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This survey deals with world aspects of nitrate pollution in water and soils mainly due to excess application of artificial fertilisers. Arising from this abuse, problems of eutrophication have been widely reported and also those of degradation of soil structure and fertility. The uptake of excess nitrate from soil directly into plants including grass is demonstrated, and the effects described of its subsequent breakdown, particularly after ingestion, to nitrite and nitrosamines in animals and humans. Special mention is made relative to the onset of methaemoglobinaemia and the recently observed connections between nitrosamines, cancer and spina bifida. Attention is drawn to the banning of nitrate preservatives in meat products by the Norwegian Government as from January, 1973. Control measures are suggested via the combined efforts of Ministries of Health, Agriculture and the Environment.