Analisis Kadar Nitrat pada Air Sumur dan Dampaknya terhadap Kesehatan Masyarakat di Kelurahan Binjai Kecamatan Medan Denai

Abstract

Nitrate levels in well water from farming activities are a major concern because it affects community health. Dug wells are the main water source for most people in Binjai Village, Medan Denai Subdistrict, who use it for daily needs like cooking, washing, and drinking. The farming sector located near residential areas disposes of animal waste into open fields, leading to the infiltration of waste into the soil and contamination of groundwater. The results of observations conducted on 3 samples of dug well water showed that it has a slightly murky appearance and an unpleasant odour, indicating the present of nitrate levels in the well water. The objective of this study is to analyze nitrate levels in dug well water and assess their effects on public health. The study is a descriptive research aimed at describing the conditions through observation using purposive sampling with 30 respondents and 10 dug well sites. Nitrate levels in dug well water were tested using spectrophotometry. Health complaints among the community were measured using a questionnaire. The results of the spectrophotometric test showed that the highest nitrate level in dug wells was 33.3 mg/L and the lowest was 13.0 mg/L. A total of 7 out of 10 wells studied showed nitrate levels exceeding the maximum limit of 20 mg/L as regulated in the Indonesian Ministry of Health Regulation No. 2 of 2023. Analysis of health complaints among the residents showed that headaches were the most common health complaint, affecting 29 people (96.7%), followed by itchy skin and fatigue, affecting 27 people (90%). This study recommends regular monitoring of water quality by local authorities and the application of simple water treatment technologies to reduce nitrate levels in dug well water. Public education and responsible livestock waste management practices are crucial to preventing further groundwater contamination.