Nitrates

What is it?

Nitrates (NO3) represent Nitrogen in a specific form during the nitrogen life-cycle, after Nitrites have been exposed to Nitrifying bacteria.

What do I need to know?

  • Natural levels of nitrate are usually less than 1 mg/L
  • Concentrations over 10 mg/L will have an effect on the freshwater aquatic environment
  • 10 mg/L is also the maximum concentration allowed in human drinking water
  • For a sensitive fish the recommended concentration is 0.06 mg/L
  • High levels could be caused by agriculture run-off

Nitrogen cycle

Nitrogen comes in many forms, and is an integral part to life.