Background and purpose: Nitrite and nitrate are considered as pollutant agents of ground water resources that cause several hygienic complications. Agricultural fertilizers that contain nitrate are widely used in north of Iran. This study was carried out to determine the concentrations of nitrite and nitrate in agricultural and drinking water wells in rural areas in Miandoroud, Iran.

Materials and methods: In this study, 276 samples were collected from 35 drinking water wells in Miandoroud (Mazandaran province, north of Iran) in March-September 2013. All experiments were performed according to the standard methods examination book. The results were analyzed in SPSS V.16 and Microsoft Excel.

Materials and methods: In this study, 276 samples were collected from 36 drinking water and agricultuer wells in Miandoroud (Mazandaran province, north of Iran) in March-September 2013. All experiments were performed according to the standard methods examination book. The results were analyzed in Microsoft Excel.

Results: According to the results, the concentration of nitrite was within standard levels established by national guidelines, while in some regions the nitrate concentration was found to be higher than standard levels. In all wells gradual increases were seen in nitrate concentrations. There was a direct relationship between nitrite and nitrate concentrations with depth and temperature.

Conclusion: The nitrate concentrations in some wells were higher than standard levels, therefore, more attention should be paid to nitrate pollution in this region.