(NaturalPath) According to a study out of the University of Waterloo, dangerous nitrate levels in drinking water could persist for decades, increasing the risk for blue baby syndrome and other serious health concerns.
The researchers have discovered that nitrogen is building up in soils, creating a long-term source of nitrate pollution in ground and surface waters.
“A large portion of the nitrogen applied as fertilizer has remained unaccounted for over the last decades,” said one researcher. “The fact that nitrogen is being stored in the soil means it can still be a source of elevated nitrate levels long after fertilizers are no longer being applied.”
According to the researchers, similar to phosphorus, nitrogen is a limiting nutrient for plants and when applied as fertilizer helps increase crop yields. However, when too much nitrogen is added, the excess enters waterways threatening drinking water quality.
For more information, read the full study.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160322182119.htm
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.