Description
Nitrates are present in nature as a result of the breakdown of organic microorganisms or due to their use as fertilizers. Nitrates are reduced to nitrites, which in turn are easily combined to form substances that are dangerous to humans.
A maximum level of 45 mg/l (ppm) is set as a worldwide guideline for nitrate concentration in water. In Europe, the maximum permitted level of nitrates in drinking water is 50.0 mg/L (ppm), while in the USA the EPA has established a guideline for the maximum nitrate level of 10 mg/L (NO-3-N), which corresponds to 45.0 mg/L of nitrates.
HI 96786 meters measure nitrate content in water and wastewater. They use a unique positive locking system to ensure that the cuvette is in the same place every time it is placed in the measuring cell.
Nitrogen is abundant in the Earth’s atmosphere and is present in water in the form of nitrate, nitrite and ammonia. Plants use nitrogen as a nutrient to build proteins through their root system. Nitrate is formed in water primarily through rainfall, the decomposition of organic matter, and runoff from man-made pollutants, such as sewage waste and fertilizers.
Almost all surface waters have some measurable level of nitrate, a moderate amount is considered beneficial. Large amounts of nitrate can lead to eutrophication which can result in decreased levels of dissolved oxygen in the water.
