Chemicals
Nitrite
An intermediate nitrogen species reported with nitrate.
What is Nitrite?
Nitrite is an intermediate in the conversion between ammonia and nitrate.
Why test for it?
Nitrite can indicate biological activity in a supply or storage system and is normally tested with nitrate.
Where can it come from?
- Biological nitrification in pipework or tanks
- Contamination events
- Some treatment processes
How is it measured?
Determined by ion chromatography or colorimetric analysis, reported in mg/L as NO₂.
What does my result mean?
Nitrite results are read alongside nitrate and, where relevant, ammonium.