Nitrate

From DictionGloss

The nitrogen ion, NO₃-, is derived from nitric acid and is an important source of nitrogen in fertilizers. Most nitrogenous materials in water tend to be converted to nitrate, so all sources of combined nitrogen, particularly organic nitrogen and ammonia, should be considered as potential nitrate sources. Primary sources of organic nitrates include human sewage and livestock manure, especially from feedlots. The primary source of inorganic nitrate is fertilizer. Consequently, wells in rural areas are at greater risk of nitrate contamination. Nitrate pollution of drinking water, shallow wells being particularly vulnerable, is of concern because excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water can cause serious illness and sometimes death in infants.