CALL: 1300 424 344

Fact Files: Nitrate (as NO3) or Nitrate (as N) - there is a difference

Published: 14 July 2021
Author: David Springer
Views: 8834
Update

Useful information about Nitrate

Did you know that nitrate in high concentrations can contribute to the blood disorder illness methemoglobinemia in infants?

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) health limit is 50mg/L (as NO₃). However, many labs report Nitrate (as N).

It is important to compare the correct form to the guideline. So you’ll need to find that old periodic table.

Element properties and conversions

Nitrogen has an atomic weight of 14.007

Oxygen has an atomic weight of 15.999

NO₃ is (14.007) & (15.999 x 3) = 62

Then 62 (NO₃)/14 (N) = 4.426

So your conversions are now:

Nitrate (as NO₃) = 4.426 x Nitrate (as N)

Nitrate (as N) = 0.2259 x Nitrate (as NO₃)

Nitrogen, the seventh element on the periodic table, is the chemical element with the symbol N, atomic weight of 14.007 and atomic number 7.

Return to news articles

Categories: Front Page

Tags: STEM future leaders chemistry Lab Tour Career in Science History and Science Nitrogen Nitrate Fact Files

Written By

David Springer

Group Commercial Manager

Envirolab Services Melbourne Supporting Women in Science at Agilent and Women in Chemistry Afternoon Tea

Pamela Adams and Analisa Mathrick from our Melbourne laboratory attended the Agilent and Women in Chemistry Afternoon Tea in May 2019. The event featured Dr. Amanda Caples as a guest presenter. We chatted to Pamela about her experience.

Envirolab is Bringing Closer Together the Commercial Scientific Laboratory and Further Education

Commercial Manager of Envirolab Group, David Springer will deliver a lecture and lab tour for the short course, Contaminated Site Assessment, Remediation and Management (CSARM) being offered by University of Technology Sydney.

Students Gain Insight on What Happens at Envirolab Services Melbourne

What happens to samples received for environmental contamination testing? Students recently found out with Pamela Adams of our Envirolab Services Melbourne laboratory.