Determination of Nitrate Anion in Waste Water from Nine Selected Areas of Coastal Guyana via a Spectrophotometric Method

Globally, the presence of nitrate anions in water beyond the threshold limit can be deleterious to both flora and fauna life. Guyana‟s waste and domestic water needs monitoring to assess the concentration of toxic anions and cations. High levels of nitrate anion beyond the threshold limit can induce the “blue baby” syndrome amongst other effects. This paper focuses on the determination of nitrate anion concentration from nine selected areas of coastal Guyana using an Ultra Violet Spectrophotometric method. These areas monitored were No. 58 Livehood Village, Rose Hall Town, Skeldon GUYSUCO Estate, Good Hope, Ogle, Stabroek, Parika, Supenaam, Spring Garden. The results showed that the concentrations of nitrates were not as high and are below the internationally accepted threshold values. The average concentration being 0.03mg/L, 0.06mg/L and 0.20 mg/L, 1.77 mg/L, 2.363 mg/L, 0.333mg/L, 0.17 mg/L, 0.19 mg/L, 0.18mg/L NO3 for the above several areas respectively. The results were accepted at the 95% confidence leve using statistical analysis. The US public Health Service designated safe limit for nitrate in water as 45mg/L.. The applicable range of concentrations using the above method is 0.1-2 mg/L NO3 – . A maximum level of 45 mg/L is established as worldwide guidance for nitrate concentration in water. In Europe, the maximum permitted levels of nitrate in potable water is 50.0 mg/L, while in the US-EPA has established a guideline for the maximum level of nitrate-nitrogen of 10 mg/L. It can safely be informed that the nine selected areas choosen are not polluted with anions. In an effort to improve water quality, the Government of Guyana has embarked on the construction of sand filtration and water treatment plants along the inhabited coastland of Guyana.