Nitrate Information

Nitrate
Other Names |
Nitrate Ion |
Chemical Formula |
NO3- |
CAS Number |
14797 – 55 – 8 |
Industry Uses |
Fertilizers; Preservatives; |
Health Risks |
Dermal Burns; Blue-Baby Syndrome; Death |
What is Nitrate?
Nitrate is the most completely oxidized form of nitrogen. It is formed during the final stages of biological decomposition, either in wastewater treatment facilities or in natural water supplies. Nitrate contamination can occur from runoff from fertilizers, leaking from septic tanks, sewage, and erosion of natural deposits.
Nitrate Exposure and Health Risks
Contact with nitrate can cause irritation and burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Nitrate in drinking water can be very dangerous for infants below the age of six months. Symptoms of nitrate poisoning in infants include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. If left untreated, the baby could die.
Regulations
The table below summarizes the most-recent standards.
Limit/Level |
Type |
Organization |
10 mg/L |
National Primary Drinking Water – Max Contaminant Level |
EPA |
Sources: EPA
Measuring Nitrate
Dissolved Nitrate concentration in water can be measured in units of parts per million (ppm). We carry instrumental kits from CHEMetrics that determine nitrate levels in water. We carry kits that measure nitrate levels ranging from 0-1.5 ppm to 0-2,700 ppm. All of our nitrate products can be viewed HERE.
These Nitrate Kits are designed to accurately measure nitrate levels in water using the Cadmium Reduction Method. | |
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![]() K6909C |
The K-6909C Nitrate Kit is used to measure nitrate levels from 0-2700 ppm. |
![]() K6909B |
The K-6909B Nitrate Kit is used to measure nitrate levels from 0-675 ppm. |
![]() K6909A |
The K-6909A Nitrate Kit is used to measure nitrate levels from 0-225 ppm. |
![]() K6909D |
The K-6909D Nitrate Kit is used to measure nitrate levels from 0-45 ppm. |
![]() K6904 |
The K-6904 Nitrate Kit is used to measure nitrate levels from 0-4.5 ppm. |
![]() K6933 |
The K-6933 Nitrate Vacu-Vials Kit is used to measure nitrate levels from 0-50 ppm. |
![]() K6923 |
The K-6923 Nitrate Vacu-Vials Kit is used to measure nitrate levels from 0-7.5 ppm. |
![]() K6903 |
The K-6903 Nitrate Vacu-Vials Kit is used to measure nitrate levels from 0-1.5 ppm. |
These Nitrate Kits are designed to accurately measure manganese levels in water using the Zinc Reduction Method. | |
![]() K6905 |
The K-6905 Nitrate Kit is used to measure nitrate levels from 0-3.4 ppm. |
![]() K6913 |
The K-6913 Nitrate Vacu-Vials Kit is used to measure nitrate levels from 0-1.5 ppm. |
Contact us for help choosing the right product for your application