Based on my investigation, it appears that the well water used to make the formula for babies with Blue Baby Syndrome contains nitrates. Nitrates are compounds that are formed during the nitrogen cycle and can be harmful to human health, particularly for infants.
To determine if the well water has nitrates, I collected data on the levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in the well water, river water, mid-river town wastewater, and safe levels.
In regards to the treatment plant, it seems that something went wrong in the process of removing nitrates from the wastewater. The treatment plant is responsible for treating wastewater before it is released into the environment. During this process, various treatment methods are used to remove pollutants, including nitrates.
To discover the problem at the treatment plant, I conducted an inspection and analyzed the treatment process. I found that there was a malfunction in the denitrification process, which is the step where nitrates are converted into nitrogen gas and removed from the wastewater. This malfunction led to elevated levels of nitrates in the treated wastewater.
To fix the local town's situation, I recommended repairing the denitrification system at the treatment plant. This involved replacing any faulty equipment, conducting regular maintenance, and ensuring proper operation of the denitrification process. Additionally, I advised implementing stricter monitoring and testing protocols to detect any future malfunctions or deviations from safe nitrate levels. By taking these measures, the treatment plant can effectively remove nitrates from the wastewater and prevent the occurrence of Blue Baby Syndrome cases in the future.