Chemical Contaminants nitrates, phosphates, total dissolved

solids

Nate CaldwellShawn SargentZeke Plymesser

Nitrates

• Nitrogen fertilizers are used to enrich soils. They can be carried by rain and irrigation through the soil into ground water. Human and animal wastes also contribute to excessive levels.

• Concentrations of more than 10ppm have been shown to cause “blue-baby syndrome”, a potentially life threatening blood disorder.

Phosphates• There are many ways

phosphates enter drinking water:– Human and animal waste– Phosphorus rich bedrock– Laundry/cleaning– Industrial effluents / fertilizer

runoff• Eutrophication – natural aging

process of a body of water• Cultural eutrophication –

excellerated process caused by man’s addition of phosphates, nitrogen, and sediment in water

Total Dissolved Solids

• Total dissolved solids (TDS) – measure of the amount of minerals in water

• Originates from natural sources: mineral springs, carbonate deposits, salt deposits, sea water intrusions

• Unnatural sources: roadway salt, anti-skid materials, drinking water treatment chemicals, stormwater and agricultural run-off, and wastewater discharges