Which category do arsenic and nitrate fall under in terms of contaminant regulation?

Arsenic and nitrate are classified as inorganic contaminants (ICs). Inorganic contaminants are typically mineral-based and can include metals and non-metals like arsenic, which is a toxic metalloid, and nitrate, which derives from nitric acid and occurs in fertilizers or as a natural element in the environment.

The presence of inorganic contaminants in drinking water is of significant concern due to their potential health effects. For example, high levels of arsenic in water can lead to serious health issues, including cancer and other adverse health effects, while excessive nitrate can cause methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome," particularly in infants.

Understanding the categorization of these contaminants is crucial for water treatment professionals, as it informs the treatment processes and regulatory measures needed to ensure safe drinking water quality. Other categories such as volatile organic contaminants, synthetic organic contaminants, and microbial contaminants consist of different types of compounds and substances that do not include arsenic and nitrate.