Elevated nitrate levels in the groundwater of the Gaza Strip: Distribution and sources

Shomar, Basem; Osenbrück, Karsten; Yahya, A.

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.02.054

Cited by 55 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Similarly, studies in (semi-)arid locations have shown increased nitrate concentrations attributed to unsewered sanitation and sewage leaching (Anayah and Almasri, 2009;Jacks et al, 1999;Williams et al, 1998;Jacks and Sharma, 1983), animal waste (e.g. Shomar et al, 2008;Lafthoui et al, 2003;Tredoux et al, 2001;Foster, 1985;Heaton, 1984), the influence of agricultural practices (e.g. Kaown et al, 2009;Saadi and Maslouhi, 2003;Pacheco et al, 2001;Hadas et al, 1999;Edmunds and Gaye, 1997;Heaton, 1985), influence from mines (Rosenthal et al, 1988) or land-use changes (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Identification of sources and infiltration regimes of nitrate in the semi-arid Kalahari: Regional differences and implications for groundwater management

Stadler¹,

Talma²,

Tredoux³

et al. 2012

WSA

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The Kalahari region of southern Africa offers much potential for nitrogen input into its groundwater. High nitrate concentrations in Kalahari groundwater are therefore quite common and are caused by both anthropogenic and natural sources. Forecasting groundwater nitrate concentrations remains challenging. Source identification of nitrate contamination in groundwater is an important first step for groundwater management and quality prediction, and is aided by isotope analysis of nitrate in the water. Comparative data from 3 groundwater study sites in the Kalahari of Botswana and Namibia with widely different characteristics are presented. Two of the sites (Ghanzi and Gobabis) have shallow water tables in fractured quartzite. These aquifers were affected by pollution from cattle wastes (manure) and septic tank outflows resulting in groundwater nitrate levels exceeding 1 000 mg NO 3 /ℓ and in δ 15 N values of between +7 and +20 ‰ AIR. Short-term increases of groundwater nitrate concentrations were triggered by exceptional rainfall events occurring every 10-20 years. At the third site (Serowe in Botswana) there is similar land use and land cover, yet the aquifers are deeper, groundwater dates to Late-Pleistocene age and borehole levels do not show a response to present-day high-rainfall episodes. Nitrate levels up to 219 mg/ℓ are found, but lower 15 N content (δ 15 N of +3 to +8 ‰) indicates a natural origin of the nitrate. In this area pollution nitrate is sufficiently delayed in the vadose zone, reaching the saturated zone much later. The data from all 3 sites suggest that nitrogen management options can only be evaluated once an understanding of sources, processes and flow patterns has been established.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Identification of sources and infiltration regimes of nitrate in the semi-arid Kalahari: Regional differences and implications for groundwater management

Stadler¹,

Talma²,

Tredoux³

et al. 2012

WSA

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“…In the Gaza Strip, nitrate is considered a major groundwater contaminant (Shomar et al 2008) and is believed to be anthropogenic (Al-Agha 1997; Baalousha 2008). Infants of 6 months or less are the most vulnerable to nitrate impact in drinking water, as it can cause methaemoglobinaemia (also known as blue baby syndrome).…”

Section: Potential Sources Of Pollutants and Their Possible Impactmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mapping groundwater contamination risk using GIS and groundwater modelling. A case study from the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Baalousha

2010

Arab J Geosci

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Increasing pressure on water resources worldwide has resulted in groundwater contamination, and thus the deterioration of the groundwater resources and a threat to the public health. Risk mapping of groundwater contamination is an important tool for groundwater protection, land use management, and public health. This study presents a new approach for groundwater contamination risk mapping, based on hydrogeological setting, land use, contamination load, and groundwater modelling. The risk map is a product of probability of contamination and impact. This approach was applied on the Gaza Strip area in Palestine as a case study. A spatial analyst tool within Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to interpolate and manipulate data to develop GIS maps of vulnerability, land use, and contamination impact. A groundwater flow model for the area of study was also used to track the flow and to delineate the capture zones of public wells. The results show that areas of highest contamination risk occur in the southern cities of Khan Yunis and Rafah. The majority of public wells are located in an intermediate risk zone and four wells are in a high risk zone.

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“…Monitoring of groundwater in the Gaza Strip indicated the presence of nitrates as early as the 1990s where data began to emerge about the incidence of blue babies in the Gaza Strip. It emerged that the elevated levels of nitrate were primarily caused by the infiltration of sewage from domestic septic tanks as well as agricultural runoff into the groundwater (Shomar et al 2008). Nitrate values in the Gaza Strip have continued to rise and currently present a health risk throughout the territory.…”

Section: Elevated Nitrate and Methemoglobinemiamentioning

confidence: 99%

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Groundwater contaminations and health perspectives in developing world case study: Gaza Strip

Shomar

2010

Environ Geochem Health

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Groundwater is the only source of water in the Gaza Strip. The results of a 10-year monitoring program revealed that more than 90% of the available water is not suitable for drinking purposes as a result of elevated chemical contaminants as well as microbiological organisms. The archives of the local hospitals showed catastrophic records on diseases caused by water directly and indirectly. Methemoglobinemia and dental fluorosis are well-known diseases caused by elevated nitrate and fluoride, respectively. Water-borne diseases are currently high and will increase if water, sanitation, and food-control services are not restored, or are allowed to deteriorate further. Heavy use and misuse of banned and prohibited pesticides may show other hard diseases in the near future. Geography, politics, and war combine to make the Gaza Strip a worst-case scenario for water-resource planners. Urgent alternative water resources should be secured and the human health should be given the highest priority.

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Elevated nitrate levels in the groundwater of the Gaza Strip: Distribution and sources

Cited by 55 publications

References 32 publications

Identification of sources and infiltration regimes of nitrate in the semi-arid Kalahari: Regional differences and implications for groundwater management

Identification of sources and infiltration regimes of nitrate in the semi-arid Kalahari: Regional differences and implications for groundwater management

Mapping groundwater contamination risk using GIS and groundwater modelling. A case study from the Gaza Strip, Palestine

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Groundwater contaminations and health perspectives in developing world case study: Gaza Strip

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