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Nitrate Analysis
Nitrate is taken up by
phytoplankton, algae, or plants as a primary source of nitrogen
and reduced to help build nucleotides, building blocks of proteins
and enzymes. Although nitrate is the most abundant form of fixed
nitrogen in aquatic systems with an average concentration of 30
micromolar, it is typically limiting in surface waters due to algal
uptake. Nitrate is typically accumulated at depth, below the photic
zone, unless it is introduced by rainfall or upwelling events. Other
sources that introduce nitrate to surface waters are leaking sewage
systems, release from tissues of dead or decaying plants or animals,
and excretory material. Algal blooms usually follow the increase
of nitrate concentrations in surface waters. Researchers analyze
nitrate concentrations in an effort to better explain phytoplankton
blooms.
- Introduction to Nitrate/Nitrite
and Methods (S-0091)
- Comparison Data (S-0092)
- Strickland and Parsons 1968 Procedure
(S-0093)
- LaMotte Test Kit Procedure (S-0094)
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