Nitrate

Nitrate is the polyatomic ion NO₃⁻, containing one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. It occurs naturally in soil and water and is a major source of nitrogen for plants.

Nitrogen cycle: The movement of nitrogen among the atmosphere, organisms, soils, and waters through biological and chemical processes. Nitrate is one of the cycle’s mobile, biologically available forms of nitrogen.
Fertilizer: A material added to soil or plants to supply nutrients needed for growth. Nitrate-containing fertilizers deliver readily available nitrogen to crops.
Polyatomic ion: An electrically charged group of covalently bonded atoms that behaves as a single unit in many reactions. Nitrate’s three oxygen atoms and nitrogen atom form one negatively charged unit.
Sodium nitrate: The ionic compound NaNO₃, a water-soluble salt containing sodium ions and nitrate ions. This naturally occurring mineral and industrial chemical is a familiar nitrate salt.
Nitrate assimilation: The process by which organisms take up nitrate and convert it into organic nitrogen compounds. Plants reduce absorbed nitrate before incorporating its nitrogen into amino acids.
Eutrophication: The enrichment of water with nutrients that can drive excessive algal and plant growth. Runoff carrying nitrate can contribute to nutrient enrichment and algal blooms.
Nitrogen: A chemical element with atomic number 7 that is essential to proteins and nucleic acids. Nitrogen is the central atom in the nitrate ion.
Potassium nitrate: The ionic compound KNO₃, a water-soluble salt containing potassium ions and nitrate ions. This nitrate salt occurs as the mineral nitre and has long been used in fertilizers.
Nitrate reduction: The conversion of nitrate to a lower oxidation state through chemical or biological reactions. This conversion supplies nitrogen for assimilation or fuels microbial respiration.
Drinking water quality: The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics used to assess water for human consumption. Nitrate concentration is monitored because high levels can pose health risks.

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