Asia Pacific Environmental and Occupational Health Journal

Objectives: To determine nitrate levels in groundwater and to perform health risk assessment from nitrate exposure among residents in Mukim Tualang Salak, a subdistrict in Bachok, Kelantan.

Method: This study was conducted among residents from two villages, namely Tualang Salak village and Kuchelong village in Mukim Tualang Salak. Fifty (50) respondents were chosen based on the inclusive and exclusive criteria and they were initially interviewed in order to obtain demographic data and groundwater usage information. Groundwater samples were taken from each of the respondent’s house who used groundwater exclusively for drinking and cooking. The samples were then analyzed using a HACH brand DR 1900 direct reading spectrophotometer. Risk assessment of the exposure to nitrate was also calculated.

Result: Nitrate levels ranged from 0.4 to 6.5 mg/L, with a mean of 1.834 ± SD 1.335 mg/L. All readings obtained did not exceed the national standard and there was no significant risk of nitrate contamination in groundwater (where HI < 1).

Conclusion: Residents from the two villages studied were exposed to low levels of nitrate in groundwater and in the case for nitrate, it was safe to be used for drinking and cooking.