Water quality is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water and maintaining ecosystem health. Contaminants such as heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), pesticides, and nitrates can have severe health impacts. For instance, lead exposure can cause neurological damage, particularly in children, while nitrates in drinking water can lead to methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome" in infants. Toxicologists assess these risks to establish permissible exposure levels and guide water treatment processes.
