Nitrate vs Nitrite

The graph shows that there is a strong relation between the nitrates and nitrites concentration in the waters of the sites, Tank before Pond not included. This was mainly caused by the similar values of the nitrate and nitrites concentrations that remained mostly in the same range as shown by the table. Thus, the relation between these ions are insignificant.

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for nitrate & nitrite in drinking water is 45 mg/L & 3.2mg/L respectively. Given that our average values for nitrate & nitrite is 0.0838mg/L & 0.0186mg/L respectively, this shows that the water is usable as potable water & for domestic purposes.

The nitrate value increases as its sources in water includes breeding of tadpoles and fishes, especially in the ponds. Their wastes (that contained organic-nitrogen) would have contributed to the increase in nitrate. The nitrite value is low as it is only formed by drinking water distribution systems that use chloramines, such as tap water. Only under anaerobic conditions, nitrate may be degraded to nitrite.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/nitrate_nitrite/index-eng.php