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Excessive use of which of the following fertilizers may be responsible

June 1, 2025 by rawan239

Excessive use of which of the following fertilizers may be responsible for the presence of a toxic substance in groundwater?

Nitrogen

Phosphate only

Potassium only

Phosphate and potassium

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers, particularly those containing nitrates or ammonium, can lead to the leaching of nitrates (NO₃⁻) into groundwater.

Nitrates are highly soluble and negatively charged, making them mobile in soil water and susceptible to leaching, especially in well-drained soils and areas with high rainfall or irrigation. Elevated levels of nitrates in drinking water are a human health concern, particularly for infants, as nitrates can be converted to nitrites in the digestive system, interfering with the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity (causing methemoglobinemia). Phosphates are generally less mobile in soil due to adsorption to soil particles. Potassium is also relatively mobile but does not pose the same level of direct toxicity risk in drinking water as nitrates at common concentrations.

Nitrate contamination of groundwater is a significant environmental issue in agricultural regions worldwide. Other sources of nitrates include livestock manure and septic systems.

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