In what form are nitrates primarily found in contaminated water supplies?

Nitrates are primarily found in contaminated water supplies in the form of soluble compounds. This is because nitrates, which are the oxidized forms of nitrogen (NO3−), dissolve readily in water, making them highly mobile and capable of leaching into groundwater and surface water. Their solubility allows them to be easily transported through the environment, particularly from sources such as fertilizers, animal waste, and sewage.

In contrast, inorganic solids, gas emissions, and organic waste do not accurately describe the nature of nitrates in water. Inorganic solids would not dissolve in water like nitrates do, and gas emissions do not pertain to the form of nitrates in water. Organic waste refers to the decomposition products of organic matter, which can contribute to nutrient pollution but are distinct from nitrates. Thus, nitrates’ predominance as soluble compounds is a key factor in understanding their behavior in contaminated water supplies.