Alysse Weilmuenster, Ally Lowery, Rachel Davis, Taylor Horace, Edward Fink

1
NITRATES

• Alysse Weilmuenster, Ally Lowery, Rachel Davis,
  Taylor Horace, Edward Fink

2
Introduction

• Importance- sometimes dangerous (nitrites)
• Quality of the water depends on nitrate level
• Sources sewage, septic systems, toilets, sinks,
  bathtubs, fertilizers, and ground water.

3
Chemical/Physical

• Formula NO3-
• Inorganic compound composed of one atom of
  nitrogen and three atoms of oxygen
• Many forms such as N2 (molecular form), NH3
  (ammonium), and NO2 (specialized bacteria to form
  a nitrite)

4
Chemical/Physical

• More sources industrial fertilizer, legume
  plants, plant and animal decomposition, and
  animal waste.
• Interactions unpleasant odor, a different taste
  of water, a reduced clarity, and decompose the
  dead biomass.

5
Expectation

• Levels at 10 ppm for nitrates. Levels higher
  during the fall than in the spring time.

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Expectations

• High level- areas near well
• Low level- furthest away from water or other
  sources

7
Past Data

• EPA has set the MCLG at 10 ppm
• If over, EPA takes action to try and lower levels
• Tested every few years
• Past Bio2 classes

8
Methodology

• Basics 5 mL sample of aquarium water in a test
  tube. Use gloves!
• What to look for Cleanliness of the water and
  the surroundings (sources)

9
Methodology

• At school Add one nitrate tablet and shake until
  it is dissolved. Repeat for second tablet. The
  tablets will change the color of the water in
  order to find the nitrate level.

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Safety and Equipment

• Safety concerns Do not touch water. Dispose in a
  separate container.
• Equipment
• In field- gloves, test tube
• School- Nitrate tablet 1, Nitrate tablet
  2, and
• color chart.
• Back at school Let nitrate sit in a refrigerator
  for a day or two, observe any further color
  changes.

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Concerns for Reliability of Data

• Strengthen- allowing more time for the water to
  change color.
• Not to be duplicated
• Nitrate color chart (ppm)

12
Quiz

• Nitrate formula?
• One source of nitrate?
• One interaction cause?
• What is the safest ppm level?
• True of False? Nitrate levels are higher in the
  spring time.