•  
  •  
 
SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Groundwater in Kansas shows significant nitrate contamination, with about 20% of samples exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) safe drinking water limit of 10 mg/L. This indicates that a considerable portion of groundwater sources are affected by pollution levels high enough to pose potential risks to human health and environmental quality. High nitrate concentrations are strongly associated with agricultural activity and land-use patterns, particularly areas with intensive fertilizer application, irrigation, and livestock operations. In addition, more than half of all monitored wells show evidence of human influence, reinforcing the idea that nitrate contamination is largely driven by anthropogenic rather than natural processes.

Contamination is especially pronounced in regions of intensive farming, including the High Plains and other major agricultural zones, where soil conditions and land management practices increase the likelihood of nitrate leaching into groundwater. Smaller private wells are particularly vulnerable compared to municipal water systems, largely due to differences in well depth, construction standards, and limited access to regular monitoring or treatment. Elevated nitrate levels in drinking water are a serious health concern, especially for infants and pregnant women, as they can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Seasonal trends also play an important role, with higher nitrate concentrations commonly observed during spring and early summer when fertilizer application and rainfall are at their peak. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of continued groundwater monitoring and the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices to protect water quality in Kansas.

Faculty Advisor

Jeanne Sumrall

Department/Program

Chemistry

Submission Type

in-person poster

Date

4-13-2026

Rights

Copyright the Author(s)

Download

Share

COinS