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Definition of Nitrites
Nitrogen is present in the environment in many different forms. Nitrite is a nitrogen and oxygen compound consisting of one nitrogen atom joined with two oxygen atoms, known as NO2. When discussing nitrites, nitrates must be considered as well. A nitrate consists of one nitrogen atom joined with three oxygen atoms, known as NO3. Nitrates easily convert to nitrites in nature, and vice versa, according to the Argonne National Laboratory. The human body converts ingested nitrates into nitrites, making nitrate levels in water just as important as nitrite levels.
Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrates and nitrites are a basic part of the nitrogen cycle. They are present in soil, water, animals and plants. Bacteria convert nitrogen to nitrates, which plants use for growth. Animals eating nitrate-rich plants convert the nitrates into nitrites for protein production. Excess nitrates are returned to the environment in feces and are then broken down by bacteria into nitrites. Nitrites are then converted back into nitrates by other bacteria. The natural cycle allows for the constant use of nitrates and nitrites.
Introduction to Water
Agricultural needs often require the addition of nitrogen fertilizers for a variety of crops. These fertilizers take the form of nitrates and nitrites because they are water-soluble, making them easily absorbed by plants. The nitrates and nitrites not used by the plants leach into groundwater and flow into waterways, eventually ending up in water used to supply public drinking water.
Health Effects
Excess nitrites especially effect young children. Nitrates are ingested and then converted in the digestive tract into nitrites. The nitrites enter the circulatory system and bond with hemoglobin. This affects the body's ability to carry and release oxygen, according to the Central District Health Department of Idaho. The effects of ingesting excess nitrites and nitrates in the water is the same. Infants under 6 months could become seriously ill when drinking water containing nitrates over the maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per million or nitrites in excess of 1 part per million, the safe levels set by the EPA. As a child ages, the stomach begins producing acids that aid in the reduction of bacteria that convert nitrates into nitrites, making nitrates less of a problem for older children and adults.
Water Treatment
Water suppliers collect water samples from public drinking water on an annual basis to test nitrate and nitrite levels. If there are contaminate levels in excess of the EPA standards, the water supplier takes steps to remove extra nitrates and nitrites through three treatment methods: ion exchange, electrodialysis and reverse osmosis.
In 1995, the U.S. Geological Service estimated that more than 42 million people receive their drinking water from private sources, such as wells, according to the University of Maryland. This poses a risk as the EPA estimates more than 50 percent of public and private wells contain nitrates. City and county health departments can aid in testing water for nitrates. Once identified, filtration systems can help lower high levels.