Nitrite

What is Nitrite?

Nitrite, an intermediate in the nitrogen cycle, is formed during the decomposition of organic matter but readily oxidizes to form nitrate. These processes occur in wastewater, treatment plants, water distribution systems, and natural waters. Nitrite contamination can occur from runoff from fertilizers, leaking from septic tanks, sewage, and erosion of natural deposits. Nitrites are useful as corrosion inhibitors, preservatives, pigments, and in the manufacture of many organic preservatives.

Nitrite Exposure and Health Risks

Contact with nitrite can cause irritation and burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Nitrite in drinking water can be very dangerous for infants below the age of six months. Symptoms of nitrite poisoning in infants include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. If left untreated, the baby could die. Exposure to high levels of nitrite can cause methemoglobinemia, which decreases hemoglobin's ability to transport oxygen. This leads to decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, headaches, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and even death. The presence of nitrite in the stomach has been linked to the production of some cancer-causing compounds.

Regulations

The table below summarizes the most-recent standards.

Sources: EPA, ATSDR

Measuring Nitrite

Dissolved Nitrite concentration in water can be measured in units of parts per million (ppm). We carry instrumental kits from CHEMetrics that determine nitrite levels in water. We carry kits that measure nitrite levels ranging from 0-2.5 ppm to 500-5,000 ppm. All of our nitrite products can be viewed HERE.

These Nitrite Kits are designed to accurately measure nitrite levels in water using the Ceric Sulfate Titrimetric Method.
K7050	The K-7050 Nitrite Titrets Kit is used to measure nitrite levels from 500-5,000 ppm.
K7025	The K-7025 Nitrite Kit is used to measure nitrite levels from 250-2,500 ppm.
These Nitrite Kits are designed to accurately measure nitrite levels in water using the Azo Dye Formation Method.
K7004D	The K-7004D Nitrite Kit is used to measure nitrite levels from 0-80 ppm.
K7004C	The K-7004C Nitrite Kit is used to measure nitrite levels from 0-3000 ppm.
K7004B	The K-7004B Nitrite Kit is used to measure nitrite levels from 0-300 ppm.
K7004A	The K-7004A Nitrite Kit is used to measure nitrite levels from 0-170 ppm.
K7004	The K-7004 Nitrite Kit is used to measure nitrite levels from 0-2.5 ppm.
K7003	The K-7003 Nitrite Vacu-Vials Kit is used to measure nitrite levels from 0-1 ppm.

Contact us for help choosing the right product for your application