Nitrites

What is it?

Nitrites (NO2) represent Nitrogen in a specific form during the nitrogen life-cycle. Nitrogen compounds dissolved in water are an important class of plant nutrients.

What do I need to know?

  • Levels over 1 mg/L are considered dangerous
  • It is natural to have some nitrites in water
  • High levels could indicate runoff from nitrate fertilizers used in agriculture
  • Nitrites versus nitrates is dependent on how much dissolved oxygen is there
  • High levels causes extra plant growth, which then chokes out fish (because it causes lowered oxygen)

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