Question

The consumption of water containing high levels of nitrate-N can lead to

• A. Methemoglobinemia in infants
• B. Night blindness
• C. Colour blindness
• D. Scurvy disease

Hint:

Methemoglobinemia:
- Caused by nitrate/nitrite in water.
- Affects infants (Blue Baby Syndrome).
- WHO limit: 10 mg NO$_3$-N/L.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question tests knowledge of the health effects of nitrate contamination in water.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Consumption of water containing high levels of nitrate-N can lead to Methemoglobinemia (A) in infants.
It is also known as "Blue Baby Syndrome."
Nitrate is converted to nitrite in the digestive system, which binds to hemoglobin and reduces oxygen-carrying capacity.
Other conditions:
- Night blindness (B): Caused by Vitamin A deficiency.
- Colour blindness (C): A genetic condition.
- Scurvy disease (D): Caused by Vitamin C deficiency.
Thus, methemoglobinemia is caused by nitrate in water.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, high nitrate levels in water can lead to methemoglobinemia in infants, which corresponds to option (A).
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