Distribution of Nitrate Content in Groundwater and Evaluation of Potential Health Risks: A Case Study of Rural Areas in Northern China

Nitrate pollution is considered to be one of the most common environmental problems in groundwater, especially in areas affected by human mining, such as the arid region of northern China. However, the human health risk assessment of nitrate pollution in this area has not yet been carried out. In this study, groundwater samples were taken in the Selian mining area in Inner Mongolia to conduct a full analysis of water quality. On this basis, the groundwater quality, the distribution range of nitrate pollution, and human health risks were evaluated. The results show that the groundwater in the Selian mining area is neutral to alkaline, with high salinity and hardness. The concentration of nitrate ions in groundwater generally exceeds the standard, and the maximum exceeds 5.48 times the value specified in the Chinese national standard, indicating that groundwater nitrate pollution needs to be controlled urgently. Groundwater is polluted by large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer used by humans in agricultural activities. At the same time, mining activities have accelerated the severity and spread of pollution. Groundwater is not recommended for direct human life and irrigation use in the study area unless purification measures are taken. Nitrate pollution is more harmful to children through groundwater, about 1.54 times that of adults. Excess nitrate is transported into the body through drinking groundwater, so proper drinking water control will reduce the health risks of nitrate, such as centralized water supply. This study will provide a scientific basis for the rational use of groundwater and nitrate pollution control in the area.