The Quantitative Determinations of Nitrates and Nitrites in Water Samples Using Spectral Methods

Abstract

Nitrates and nitrites are the most common inorganic nitrogen compounds in the environment and are present in waters, soils, foods, and biota. Nitrite and nitrate are etiologic agents of methemoglobinemia or ‘blue baby syndrome’. If large quantities of nitrogen compounds are ingested in drinking water, the ability of the blood to carry oxygen is impaired, causing headache, fatigue, breathing difficulties, diarrhea and vomiting, and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness and death. The study presents the spectral analysis for nitrates and nitrites monitoring for water samples-drinking water, underground water, and surface water. This overview of the most common inorganic nitrogen compounds (nitrates and nitrites) helps us understand their toxic effects on human health.