Journal Facts

Journal
Journal of Environmental Systems
ISSN
0047-2433 (print) 1541-3802 (electronic)
Volume
17
Issue
4
Date
1/1/1987

Article Facts

Title
A Systems Approach to Nitrate Removal from Groundwater Supplies
DOI
10.2190/J6P4-RUBM-HKNG-GQML
Authors
  • Mohamed F. Dahab
  • Istvan Bogardi
Pages
291-303
Online Date
05/09/2002

Article Links

A Systems Approach to Nitrate Removal from Groundwater Supplies

Mohamed F. Dahab
Istvan Bogardi

DOI: 10.2190/J6P4-RUBM-HKNG-GQML

Abstract

Nitrate concentrations in groundwater supplies in many areas have steadily increased past the standard established by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Nitrate contamination is linked to infant methemoglobinemia as well as the formation of n-nitroso compounds which are etiologic agents for gastric cancer in humans. This article discusses the feasibility of removing nitrates from groundwater supplies. Systems analysis is used to determine the best (i.e., optimal) scenarios under which one, or a combination, of several available processes can be applied. A systems methodology for selecting cost-effective nitrate treatment strategies is outlined. Nitrate removal relationships and cost of treatment functions are developed. The systems methodology is illustrated for a typical midwestern community facing nitrate contamination problems.

Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.