<p>Groundwater is a major resource for drinking, agriculture, and industrial use in Myanmar, but it faces growing threats from nitrate pollution. Nitrate pollution in groundwater has been a growing global concern over the past several decades. However, relatively little attention has been given to groundwater nitrate pollution in Myanmar, where there is no dedicated policy or strong institutional control for groundwater management. Groundwater management in Myanmar suffers from significant data gaps, fragmented legal frameworks, and institutional weaknesses. A structured literature review was conducted using academic databases and supplementary sources, following the PRISMA guidelines, to identify Myanmar-specific and regional studies relevant to groundwater nitrate contamination and governance. While only a limited number of Myanmar-specific studies report groundwater nitrate data, a broader set of Myanmar-related studies on groundwater management, including policy documents and reports, was reviewed. Five neighboring countries were selected for regional comparison based on their transboundary relevance and potential influence on Myanmar’s groundwater resources. This study examines the sources, pathways, and impacts of nitrate contamination in Myanmar's groundwater, with a focus on agricultural intensification, inadequate sanitation, and emerging industrial activities. Also, a lack of consistent monitoring systems, outdated groundwater use statistics, and insufficient research on nitrate behavior in subsurface environments are discussed. To address these challenges, this study recommends developing a centralized groundwater database, introducing groundwater-specific laws, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By adopting an integrated and collaborative approach, Myanmar can mitigate nitrate pollution risks, support sustainable groundwater management, and ensure water security.</p>

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Groundwater nitrate pollution in Myanmar and policy implications for sustainable water management

  • Arkar San,
  • Naing Aung Khant,
  • Jinah Moon,
  • Heejung Kim

摘要

Groundwater is a major resource for drinking, agriculture, and industrial use in Myanmar, but it faces growing threats from nitrate pollution. Nitrate pollution in groundwater has been a growing global concern over the past several decades. However, relatively little attention has been given to groundwater nitrate pollution in Myanmar, where there is no dedicated policy or strong institutional control for groundwater management. Groundwater management in Myanmar suffers from significant data gaps, fragmented legal frameworks, and institutional weaknesses. A structured literature review was conducted using academic databases and supplementary sources, following the PRISMA guidelines, to identify Myanmar-specific and regional studies relevant to groundwater nitrate contamination and governance. While only a limited number of Myanmar-specific studies report groundwater nitrate data, a broader set of Myanmar-related studies on groundwater management, including policy documents and reports, was reviewed. Five neighboring countries were selected for regional comparison based on their transboundary relevance and potential influence on Myanmar’s groundwater resources. This study examines the sources, pathways, and impacts of nitrate contamination in Myanmar's groundwater, with a focus on agricultural intensification, inadequate sanitation, and emerging industrial activities. Also, a lack of consistent monitoring systems, outdated groundwater use statistics, and insufficient research on nitrate behavior in subsurface environments are discussed. To address these challenges, this study recommends developing a centralized groundwater database, introducing groundwater-specific laws, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By adopting an integrated and collaborative approach, Myanmar can mitigate nitrate pollution risks, support sustainable groundwater management, and ensure water security.