Page 159 - AJWEP-22-6

Water quality of Bharatpur, Nepal

Figure 9. Variation of free CO in the groundwater
2
of Bharatpur Figure 11. Variation of nitrate in the groundwater of
Abbreviations: CF: Coca-Cola factory; IF: Iron factory; Bharatpur
RPF: Royal Paint factory; CO : Carbon dioxide. Abbreviations: CF: Coca-Cola factory; IF: Iron factory;
2 RPF: Royal Paint factory.

NO concentration. The NO levels ranged from a
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minimum of 23.3 mg/L in Sample A to a maximum of
45.8 mg/L in Sample K. These NO levels are below
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the WHO and NDWQS guideline of 50 mg/L, indicating
that NO concentrations are generally within safe limits
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for drinking water. However, the levels are relatively
high compared to those in other groundwater sources,
which can be a concern as they may contribute to
eutrophication and impact water quality. The variability
suggests the influence of agricultural runoff or other
NO sources.
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Nitrate contamination in groundwater is often linked
to agricultural activities, particularly the use of synthetic
fertilizers and manure. 64,71,99 Natural sources of NO
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include igneous rocks, domestic sewage, land drainage,
Figure 10. Variation of chloride in the groundwater and the growth and decay of plants. The typical natural
of Bharatpur concentration of NO is 0.1 ppm, but this level can
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Abbreviations: CF: Coca-Cola factory; IF: Iron factory; increase due to sewage, industrial effluents, and NO
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RPF: Royal Paint factory. fertilizers. High NO levels can lead to conditions,
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such as methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in
levels could indicate pollution or saltwater intrusion, infants, where the ability of blood to carry oxygen is
especially in coastal areas. The observed Cl levels are reduced. 1,60,96,99,100
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typical for many groundwater sources and suggest no Previous studies 54,89,93,96,99,101,102 have shown that
significant immediate concerns. 6,42,98 elevated NO levels are prevalent in areas with
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intensive agriculture and can pose long-term risks
3.1.9. Nitrate to water quality and human health. The NO levels
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The average NO concentrations in groundwater observed in this study suggest that while they are within
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samples collected from IF, RPF, and CF were 32 mg/L, the recommended limits, ongoing monitoring and
39 mg/L, and 42 mg/L, respectively, as illustrated management practices are crucial to prevent potential
in Figure 11. CF exhibited the highest average increases in contamination.
Volume 22 Issue 6 (2025) 153 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025120083