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Nitrate in groundwater

Field Value
Description Data are taken from well samples and aggregated to annual average concentrations for groundwater bodies in Europe. Nitrate can persist in groundwater for a long time and accumulate at a high level through inputs from anthropogenic sources (mainly agriculture). The EU drinking water standard is limited to 50 mg NO3/L to avoid threats to human health. The distribution of measured groundwater bodies might mask exceedance of nitrate levels in certain polluted areas.
Definition Not specified
Outcome type Environmental impacts
Category WaterQuality
Connects to transition domains None specified
Unit(s) of measurement description mg NO3/L
Unit(s) of measurement None specified
EU 2025 SDG Indicator None specified
Supply chain components Primary food production
Methodology Not specified